Summary: Boston’s universities and colleges come alive during spring. As students eagerly work to finish up in time for finals, cleaning and maintenance crews start looking toward summer deep cleaning. The cleaning tasks they perform throughout spring and summer will set the stage for the fall semester.
As the end of the spring semester draws closer, Boston’s universities and colleges are preparing for summer and the deep cleaning and maintenance that comes with it. Spring and summer represent a critical time for enhanced sanitation and deep cleaning. Yet the transition from a bustling academic campus to a quieter summer environment can unintentionally invite cleaning crews to slack off.
Staying on top of things positions universities and colleges to prepare for the coming year. Smart cleaning crews and maintenance technicians know how important that is, given the fact that the fall semester is bound to arrive sooner than anticipated.
We invite colleges and universities throughout the greater Boston area to consider collaborating with us on spring and summer deep cleaning needs. Collaborating with a commercial cleaning service represents an opportunity to get all of those big projects done with plenty of time to prepare for fall.
Spring Cleaning Needs
Boston’s erratic winter weather can wreak havoc on colleges and universities. Come spring, the amount of harm winter weather has done becomes quite evident. So with spring comes a well-defined list of cleaning tasks that schools cannot afford to ignore. Here are five to consider:
1. Cleaning Classrooms and Common Areas
Classrooms and common areas are kept fairly tidy throughout the school year by way of daily janitorial tasks. But as schools move into spring, these same spaces need a more thorough cleaning. It is important to focus on high-touch surfaces like desks, chairs, tables, light switches, and door handles.
Sanitation is also crucial at this time because of the introduction of spring allergies. The last thing people dealing with allergies need is exposure to cold viruses. Proper sanitation mitigates the spread of germs, particularly following common and widespread winter illnesses.
2. Carpet and Upholstery
Carpets and upholstery are especially susceptible to winter weather damage. The combination of road salt and dirt is bound to leave stains across campus. Spring is the perfect time to deal with them.
We recommend steam cleaning carpets and upholstery at the same time. Cover all classrooms, libraries, lounges, and carpeted hallways. Steam cleaning not only improves hygiene, but it also improves the overall aesthetic on campus. Students feel more comfortable and cared for as they finish out their final weeks.
3. Window Cleaning
Although some Boston-area colleges and universities prefer to hold off on window cleaning until summer, spring works just as well. Spring is a good time to address all the dust and grime that has accumulated over winter. Better yet, clean windows contribute to a brighter and more inviting atmosphere. This has a positive impact on students cramming hard in preparation for finals.
4. Outdoor Areas
Exterior spaces are of less use during Boston’s harsh winters. But come spring, students want to spend more time outdoors. So cleaning outdoor spaces becomes critical at this time.
Cleaning outdoor spaces might involve power washing and clearing debris. There may be some landscaping involved, but that is not a task cleaning crews have to worry about. Groundskeepers and gardeners will handle those types of things.
5. Restroom Sanitation
Although restrooms should be clean and sanitized year-round, we have included them here because of the temptation to not give them as much attention in favor of focusing on other spring tasks. That is a mistake. Restrooms are among the most heavily used spaces on college and university campuses. It is important to maintain a rigorous cleaning regimen that includes regular disinfection of all surfaces.
Summer Cleaning Projects
Boston’s spring will roll into summer by the end of May – at least according to the academic calendar. That means empty campuses across the area. It also means space and opportunity for cleaning crews to tackle those deep cleaning projects they simply cannot do when students are in town.
It is important to remember that deep cleaning during the summer both helps to maintain facilities in good condition and prepares spaces for students’ eventual return in the fall. Here are five summer cleaning projects most Boston universities and colleges would benefit from:
1. Dormitory Deep Cleans
If restrooms are the most trafficked spaces on campuses, dorms take a close second place. Summer is the time to conduct a deep clean of every dorm room. Deep cleaning includes getting into the corners, scrubbing floors, disinfecting, and checking for pests.
2. HVAC Cleaning
HVAC systems can become hot spots for dust and allergens, especially during the spring. Bringing in professionals to conduct comprehensive HVAC system cleaning gets things in tip-top shape before students return in the fall. A clean HVAC system ensures better indoor air quality from fall through the following summer.
3. Lab and Research Facilities
Lab and research facilities are common at Boston universities and colleges. They are fundamental to university research. Therefore, cleaning crews have an important mission: ensuring that labs are deep-cleaned and safe. From disinfection to surface decontamination to the disposal of waste materials, it is a critical mission that cleaning crews are expected to get right.
4. Furniture and Fixtures
Furniture and fixtures should be deep cleaned during the summer months as well. As crews address cleaning, they can also take note of any damage that needs addressing by the maintenance department. Together, the two teams can get furniture and fixtures ready for the fall semester. Addressing this during the summer also provides plenty of time to replace those pieces that cannot be adequately repaired.
5. Outdoor Deep Cleaning
Any outdoor cleaning projects that are too time- or labor-intense to handle in the spring can be deferred until summer. Power washing walkways is a good example. Power washing removes dirt, grime, chemical stains, mold, and mildew. It can make a campus look like new.
To say that Boston colleges and universities maintain an extensive list of cleaning tasks is the state the obvious. Keeping an institution clean and in good order is a monumental task, given the daily punishment it endures. The good news is that All Pro Cleaning Systems are here to help. Contact us to learn more about how our services can enhance your in-house cleaning.
FAQs
What are the primary cleaning priorities during the spring?
During spring, colleges and universities should prioritize daily janitorial along with regular surface sanitizing. Carpets and upholstery are good candidates for spring cleaning as well.
Why is carpet cleaning important in the spring?
Cleaning carpets removes dirt, allergens, and stains that have accumulated over the winter. This improves indoor air quality and helps students who suffer from spring allergies.
What cleaning projects are more appropriate for summer?
Summer is the right season for deep cleaning classrooms and common areas. It is also the best time for HVAC cleaning, dormitory overhauls, and lab cleaning.
How can commercial cleaning services help?
Commercial cleaning services can come alongside in-house cleaning crews to handle some of the extra workload. In addition, companies like All Pro Cleaning Systems bring specialized tools and techniques that can help in-house crews do better.