Keeping a clean environment is crucial, particularly when it comes to hallways. These areas experience constant traffic and can become dirty and unhygienic in no time. To maintain the well-being of those who use these pathways, it is imperative to establish and adhere to a thorough cleaning schedule. This will help guarantee a healthy and safe space for all. This article will outline the hallway cleaning checklist you need to follow.
A Checklist to Thoroughly Clean Your Hallway: Things You’ll Need
Before beginning, gather a variety of cleaning supplies. Each item may vary in cost and ease of use. Some products are budget-friendly and simple to handle, while others may be more expensive and require skilled individuals to operate them. Consider assigning these tasks to experienced employees or trained professionals for optimal results.
It is crucial that all employees understand proper handling procedures for cleaning equipment. Certain items may contain harsh chemicals that could cause harm if not used correctly. Therefore, it is essential to stress the importance of following instructions and handling guidelines for everyone’s safety.
When cleaning, make sure to have a damp cloth, preferably made of microfiber to avoid scratching surfaces. A mop and bucket will also be necessary for washing floors, along with warm soapy water. Depending on the surface being cleaned, specific solutions may be needed; always check if the product is suitable beforehand. Common hallway cleaning solutions include floor and window cleaners.
A disinfectant solution should also be included in your supplies, as well as a vacuum cleaner. Keep trash bags on hand to dispose of any garbage or unwanted items. And don’t forget gloves to protect those on cleaning duty from strong solutions; masks may also be beneficial in certain situations.
How to Clean Your Hallway
No matter how hard we try, we all forget things sometimes. It’s human nature to overlook certain details, and this extends to cleaning duties as well. Whether it’s you or an employee who is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of a hallway, there may come a time when something slips through the cracks. This not only poses a potential health hazard, but it also adds more work in the long run. To avoid this, creating a detailed cleaning checklist can be extremely beneficial. By listing out all necessary tasks along with their frequency and required materials, and providing boxes for employees to check off once completed, you can ensure that nothing is forgotten. The more thorough and specific the checklist is, the better results it will bring. For instance, a detailed entryway cleaning checklist that includes step-by-step instructions and guidelines will likely yield better outcomes.
Highly Touched Surface Areas
First and foremost, it is crucial to prioritize high-touch surface areas. These are places that come into contact with a significant amount of skin. As a result, they are more likely to harbor germs, viruses, and bacteria. If these surfaces are not properly maintained, individuals who touch them are at a higher risk of becoming ill.
Some common high-touch surfaces in hallways include doorknobs, light switches, framed pictures, elevator buttons, and lamps. All of these items have the potential to be touched by people passing through the hallway.
It is essential for all high-touch surfaces in commercial hallways to be cleaned thoroughly at least once a day. In areas with high foot traffic, multiple cleanings may be necessary. Using a simple disinfectant wipe can effectively remove any harmful germs or bacteria. If you notice that a large number of people are touching certain surfaces, make sure to clean those areas after they leave.
Disinfecting Procedures
It’s important to understand the distinction between cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing. Although they may seem similar, each method has a different level of thoroughness.
Cleaning removes visible dirt and debris from a surface and can eliminate some germs to a satisfactory extent.
Disinfecting goes a step further by completely eliminating all harmful viruses, germs, and bacteria from the area.
Sterilizing is the most comprehensive technique, as it kills all living microorganisms on the surface. While this is not always necessary for commercial settings, it is a common practice in medical facilities.
For optimal results, it is recommended to use a high-level chemical disinfectant. These products are formulated with stronger and more potent ingredients, making them highly effective against viruses and bacteria. Another option is to use an alcohol-based solution, but avoid rubbing alcohol as it may not completely eliminate all germs. Look for a cleaning product that contains at least 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Be sure to carefully follow the instructions when using any disinfectant, and consider wearing protective gloves. Keep in mind that different solutions will have varying exposure times. After allowing sufficient time for the solution to work, wipe down the surface with a clean, damp cloth.
Floor Cleaning
As stated earlier, it is crucial to properly clean hallway floors. Before beginning the mopping process, it is essential to use the correct cleaning solution. Certain products can cause permanent damage or discoloration to the floor. Avoid using vinegar or steam cleaners at all costs. Once you have the appropriate product, vacuuming the floor is the first step. This will eliminate any visible dirt and debris while enhancing the effectiveness of the cleaner. Now, the floor may be cleaned with a damp mop using hot water and cleaning solution. Taking your time will result in better outcomes. Pay special attention to edges as they tend to accumulate significant amounts of dirt. Lastly, make sure to allow the floor to dry completely before removing any wet floor signs for the safety of employees and customers.
Final Inspection
The final step of the cleaning process is the last inspection. To make this easier, it’s helpful to have an entryway cleaning checklist. After all, completing tasks is pointless if they are not done correctly.
It is essential to thoroughly examine and assess all major areas of the hallway. Specifically, ensure that the floor is thoroughly cleaned and that all frequently touched surfaces are properly disinfected.
Once the inspection is complete, remove any protective gear you may have been wearing and store it safely. And lastly, confirm that all cleaning tasks were completed correctly before storing away any used products.
Get Professionals to Deep Clean Your Hallway
Investing in a professional cleaning company may be more costly at first, but it is well worth it. Not only will you save money on purchasing cleaning supplies, the company will bring their own and ensure they are suitable for the job. Trained professionals will also follow safety protocols to minimize any risk of injury. And with their expertise and qualifications, you can trust that all tasks will be completed thoroughly and efficiently.
Learn More with Detail Cleaning M&M
At Detail Cleaning M&M, we understand the importance of a clean hallway. Therefore, we would love to help you maintain sanitary walkways. To schedule an appointment, please contact us at 312-730-6552.
FAQs on Cleaning Hallways
How long does it take to clean a hallway?
The amount of time it takes to clean a hallway properly is based on the size of the location and the number of cleaners. An average hallway can be washed in an hour. However, larger spaces may require more time. In addition, it may take extra time to disinfect areas properly.
How much does it cost to get my hallway cleaned?
Again, it will depend on the size of the hallway. However, you can receive a free quote online from Detail Cleaning M&M. This can provide an accurate cost estimation. Furthermore, quotes will be based on the required frequency level.