Summer brings sunshine, longer days—and a lot more people moving in and out of commercial buildings. Whether it’s an office complex, retail space, or school, increased summer foot traffic can slowly take a toll on your facility. While the season offers a boost in energy and activity, it also brings unique cleaning and maintenance challenges you shouldn’t ignore.
Here’s how summer foot traffic affects your facility and how a proactive cleaning strategy can keep things under control.
1. More Dirt & Debris
You might expect less mess in summer since there’s no mud or snow, but that’s not the case. Dry conditions mean an increase in dust, pollen, and fine debris. Combine that with sandals, sneakers, and open doors and windows, and your entryways and hallways can quickly become dirty and dull.
Tip: Increase floor mat coverage at all entrances and schedule more frequent vacuuming or dust mopping to prevent debris from building up on your floors and carpets.
2. Commercial Floors Take A Beating
Hard floors—especially vinyl, tile, and polished concrete—see heavier wear in summer. UV rays can fade certain flooring materials near windows, and the increased foot traffic wears down protective coatings faster.
Tip: Schedule mid-summer floor maintenance, such as buffing, scrubbing, or reapplying floor finishes to extend their lifespan and appearance.
3. Restrooms Get Neglected
With inconsistent foot traffic, it can be a challenge to determine the best cleaning frequency for commercial bathrooms. Commercial bathrooms often get neglected during the summer, leading to messy bathrooms and a higher chance of bacteria build-up.
Tip: Adjust your restroom cleaning schedule and stock checks to match summer activity levels. Add odour control solutions for high-traffic areas.
4. Air Quality Can Suffer
During summer, buildings often rely on closed windows and HVAC systems to maintain comfortable temperatures. However, increased indoor activity combined with outdoor pollutants (like pollen and dust) can reduce air quality. Similarly, having windows and doors propped open can cause allergens and debris to enter your commercial facility, causing an uptick in allergy symptoms.
Tip: Ensure vents, filters, and air ducts are cleaned regularly. Use low-VOC, eco-friendly cleaning products to keep indoor air clean and safe. Install window screens to trap small particles from entering your business.
5. Increased Waste & Overflowing Bins
With more people using your facility on a hybrid basis during the summertime, it is important to maintain food and recycling bins daily. Summer is a prime time for outdoor lunches, grab-and-go snacks, and increased deliveries—all of which generate more waste. Overflowing bins not only look unprofessional but can also attract pests and cause unpleasant odours.
Tip: Increase the frequency of trash and recycling collection during peak months, especially in common areas like lobbies, break rooms, and restrooms. Consider adding extra bins in high-traffic zones and clearly labelling them to encourage proper disposal. Keep compost bins outdoors to prevent tracking pests and minimize foul odours.
Stay Ahead With A Summer Cleaning Plan
The key to managing summer foot traffic is proactivity. By anticipating these seasonal challenges and adjusting your cleaning routines accordingly, you can keep your facility looking sharp, reduce wear and tear, and maintain a healthy environment.
Need help creating a summer cleaning schedule for your facility? Contact Clean Green Solutions today—Our team will customize a plan that keeps your business spotless all year round.