Summer break is finally here, bringing with it a well-deserved respite from the demands of the academic year. It’s a time to soak up the sun, embark on adventures, and indulge in leisurely pursuits. However, amidst the carefree days and warm weather, summer break cleaning should be one of the top priorities and it’s important not to overlook the maintenance needs of your school’s floors. While it may not be the most glamorous aspect of summer break, ensuring proper floor maintenance during this period is crucial to preserve the longevity and aesthetics of the educational facility. By dedicating some time and attention to your school’s floors, you can create a clean, safe, and inviting environment for students and staff alike when the next academic year begins.

The Importance of Summer Floor Maintenance in Schools

Prolongs Your Flooring’s Longevity

Performing proper and regular maintenance on your school’s flooring actually prolongs its life. Proper and regular maintenance allows you to inspect your school flooring as well. As a result, minimal damage can be seen immediately and addressed before they turn into expensive repair costs or worse, irreparable damage. 

Increases Student and Staff Safety

Another benefit of well-maintained school flooring is the increased safety of your students and staff in terms of slips, trips, and falls. All of which are accidents commonly caused by unkempt floors. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your floors ensures a safe environment for everyone within the school premises.

Reduces Effects of Wear and Tear

During an academic year, school floors experience high volumes of foot traffic daily from students, teachers, staff, and visitors which highly exposes them to wear and tear. Performing regular floor maintenance prevents further wear and tear damage. Cleaning floors regularly prevents any dirt buildup from accumulating which plays a crucial role in your floors’ wear and tear.

Helps Your HVAC System to Work More Efficiently

As mentioned above, regular cleaning allows you to remove dust, such as drywall dust and outside dust, and prevent any buildup from happening. Not only does it contribute to better air quality, but it also helps your HVAC System perform more efficiently since you created an environment where it can operate efficiently. As a result, everyone experiences a comfortable learning environment free from dirt, and allergens.

Manages Moisture and Humidity Levels

We all know how hot the summer season can be and your floors are no exception from the effects of the weather. Higher humidity levels increase the chances of moisture-related issues like mold, fungus, or mildew growth. By performing some regular floor cleaning and maintenance these concerns can be managed or prevented altogether.

 

Tips for Preventive Maintenance

Create a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule

Develop a comprehensive cleaning schedule that includes daily sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can cause scratches and damage to the floors over time. 

Use what works best for your flooring type

There are various flooring types and the “one-size fit all approach” in cleaning is not that effective, especially on floors. That’s why it’s important to know what techniques and products work best for your school’s floor. This is to ensure effective and efficient cleaning.

Place mats and rugs strategically

Use entrance mats and rugs in high-traffic areas, such as entryways and hallways, to minimize the amount of dirt and moisture brought onto the floors. Regularly clean or replace these mats to prevent them from becoming a source of trapped dirt and debris.

Put protective pads or glides on the legs of furniture, desks, and chairs

Protect your floor from furniture and equipment by placing protective pads or glides on the legs of each furniture, desk, or chair. This is to prevent any scratches and dents from when they are dragged or moved. You might also want to consider using furniture coasters or mats under heavy equipment to distribute weight and prevent indentations.

Immediately clean spills and stains

Accidents happen, so it’s important to promptly clean up spills to prevent them from seeping into the floors and causing stains or damage. Have a spill response plan in place and provide training to staff on how to handle and clean different types of spills.

Best Practices for Cleaning and Restoring School Floors over the Summer

Asses Your Floors Condition

Before starting any cleaning or restoration process, assess the condition of the school floors. Identify areas that require special attention, such as high-traffic zones, stains, or damaged sections. This evaluation will help determine the appropriate cleaning methods and restoration techniques needed.

Develop a Detailed Cleaning Plan

As you create a comprehensive cleaning plan, we recommend formulating a sustainable cleaning system. It should include specific tasks, timelines, and responsibilities. Try to assign staff members or cleaning teams to different areas of the school, ensuring adequate coverage and efficient cleaning. Divide the tasks into manageable sections to avoid overwhelming the cleaning staff.

Clear the Floor of Any Obstacles

Remove all furniture, equipment, and other objects from the floors to allow thorough cleaning. Make arrangements for temporary storage or relocation of items during the cleaning process. This will ensure unrestricted access to the floors and enable a more effective cleaning and restoration process.

Sweep and Vacuum

Begin the cleaning process by thoroughly sweeping or vacuuming the floors to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. Use appropriate tools and attachments to reach corners, edges, and hard-to-reach areas. This initial step helps eliminate surface dirt before proceeding with more intensive cleaning methods.

Deep Clean Your Floors Regularly

Depending on the type of flooring, use suitable cleaning methods such as mopping, scrubbing, or steam cleaning to deep clean the floors. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use recommended cleaning solutions to avoid damaging the floors. Pay close attention to stains, spills, and heavily soiled areas, ensuring they receive extra cleaning attention.

Treat Stains and Marks Immediately

Address stubborn stains, marks, or scuffs on the floors by using appropriate stain removers or cleaning agents. Test any new cleaning product in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not cause discoloration or damage to the flooring. Apply the cleaning solution as instructed, gently scrubbing the affected areas, and rinse thoroughly.

Promptly Repair Any Damaged Sections

Identify any damaged sections of the floors, such as loose tiles, scratches, or chips. Schedule necessary repairs or replacements to restore the flooring’s integrity. Fixing these issues during the summer break minimizes disruptions during the academic year and helps maintain a safe environment for students and staff.

Apply Protective Coatings Regularly

Depending on the flooring material, apply appropriate protective coatings, such as sealants or wax, to provide an extra layer of protection against wear and tear. These coatings can help preserve the floors’ shine, improve resistance to stains and spills, and make routine maintenance easier.

Choosing the Right Floor Cleaner Partner

If your school staff doesn’t have the extra time to help you with floor cleaning and maintenance during summer break, then you should probably start thinking of hiring cleaners. Since the demand for cleaning services like day porters increased, different types of cleaner became known from professional cleaners to private cleaners. 

However, what is the difference between Professional Cleaners and Individual Cleaners?

Professional Cleaners VS Individual Cleaners

Professional Cleaners

1. They have more experience and are experts in the field.

2. They have specialized cleaning equipment and tools.

3. Equipped with skills and resources professional cleaners get things done more efficiently.

4. They prioritize safety by using PPEs and training on how to handle hazardous products and equipment.

5. Provide more comprehensive cleaning solutions.

Individual Cleaners

1. More cost-effective for small schools or organizations with limited budgets.

2. Offer flexibility and personalized services.

3. Direct communication and control.

4. Potential long-term partnership.

 

Ultimately, the choice between professional cleaners and individual cleaners for floor cleaning depends on factors such as budget, the size of the institution, specific cleaning requirements, and preferences. It is important to consider the pros and cons of each option and assess which aligns best with the school’s needs and priorities.

If you’re in the vicinity of New Haven County or New London County, Connecticut, Burgos Cleaning’s professional commercial cleaning services are here to assist you in efficiently cleaning your school premises during the summer break. With the summer break providing the perfect opportunity for maintenance, our team of experienced cleaning technicians equipped with state-of-the-art tools can deliver exceptional results. Don’t wait any longer – contact us today and experience the difference firsthand in maintaining a clean and inviting learning space!