With colder, wetter weather approaching, Cleaning With Meaning shares practical advice to help offices, commercial premises and HMOs stay clean, safe and environmentally responsible this winter.
As temperatures begin to fall and wetter weather soon sets in, UK business owners, office managers, landlords and property managers are being urged to review their commercial cleaning arrangements before winter brings additional maintenance challenges.
Kelly Moore, founder of Kent-based professional cleaning company Cleaning With Meaning, warns that muddy entrances, slippery floors, road salt, condensation and increased use of shared spaces can create avoidable problems for commercial properties during the colder months.
However, she says maintaining a clean and welcoming environment does not have to mean increasing the use of harsh cleaning chemicals or generating unnecessary waste.
"Winter can be particularly demanding for commercial properties, especially offices, shared accommodation and buildings with high footfall," explains Kelly. "Rainwater, mud and grit are constantly being brought indoors, while colder temperatures and condensation can create additional moisture problems. If these issues aren't managed properly, they can quickly affect cleanliness, flooring conditions and the overall environment for employees, residents and visitors.
The good news is that a little preparation can make a significant difference. It's about having the right cleaning routines in place, identifying problem areas early and choosing effective methods that are also kinder to the environment."
Six winter cleaning priorities for commercial properties
Kelly recommends that office and facilities managers review the following areas before the coldest weather arrives:
1. Stop dirt and moisture at the entrance
Entrances, reception areas and communal hallways are particularly vulnerable to mud, rainwater and grit being carried indoors. Effective entrance matting, regular vacuuming and prompt removal of moisture can help protect flooring and reduce the risk of slips.
"One of the simplest ways to keep a building cleaner during winter is to stop dirt travelling through it in the first place," says Kelly. "Entrance mats should be checked and cleaned regularly, particularly during periods of heavy rain."
2. Keep condensation and mould under control
Poorly ventilated bathrooms, kitchens, meeting rooms and communal spaces can be vulnerable to condensation during colder weather. Kelly advises property managers to monitor moisture-prone areas, ensure ventilation systems are functioning properly and arrange prompt investigation of recurring dampness.
"This is particularly important in HMOs, where kitchens, bathrooms and other shared facilities are used by multiple residents. Cleaning can help manage surface moisture, but persistent condensation or mould needs to be addressed at its source, rather than simply wiped away."
3. Protect flooring from winter grit and salt
Road grit and salt can be abrasive, potentially damaging hard flooring and leaving unsightly residue. Regular vacuuming, sweeping and appropriate damp mopping can help prevent build-up without requiring unnecessarily aggressive cleaning products.
"Stronger chemicals aren't automatically better," Kelly explains. "Choosing the right product for the surface and using the correct dilution is often far more effective than simply applying more cleaning solution."
4. Focus on shared and high-touch areas
Door handles, lift buttons, handrails, communal kitchens, washrooms and shared workstations can require particular attention during winter, when people spend more time indoors. Cleaning schedules should reflect how frequently these areas are used, with appropriate cleaning and disinfection where necessary.
5. Choose environmentally responsible cleaning methods
Winter cleaning does not need to come at the expense of environmental responsibility. Kelly recommends considering suitable concentrated cleaning products, reusable microfibre cloths, washable mop systems and accurate product dilution to help reduce unnecessary waste.
"Businesses are increasingly conscious of their environmental responsibilities, and cleaning should be part of that conversation," says Kelly. "Using excessive chemicals doesn't necessarily deliver better results. With the right products, equipment and training, professional cleaning teams can maintain excellent standards while reducing unnecessary waste and chemical use."
6. Review cleaning schedules before winter pressures increase
A summer-centric cleaning schedule may not be sufficient during prolonged periods of wet weather. Kelly encourages managers to identify areas requiring additional attention, check that cleaning equipment is in good working order and ensure cleaning teams have sufficient time and resources to complete their work properly.
A greener approach to winter property maintenance
With many organisations looking for practical ways to improve sustainability, Kelly believes winter presents an opportunity for businesses and property managers to reconsider their existing cleaning arrangements.
Rather than automatically increasing chemical use or relying on disposable cleaning materials, she encourages a more considered approach based on prevention, appropriate products and efficient routines.
Act now, before winter weather takes its toll
Kelly's advice to commercial property managers is to act during autumn rather than wait until problems become obvious.
"By the time winter is in full swing, businesses can already be dealing with muddy floors, recurring condensation and cleaning schedules that aren't keeping up, she explained. "October is a good time to review what's working, identify potential problem areas and make improvements. A proactive, environmentally conscious cleaning plan can help businesses protect their premises and maintain high standards throughout the colder months."
Kelly Moore, founder of Kent-based professional cleaning company Cleaning With Meaning, warns that muddy entrances, slippery floors, road salt, condensation and increased use of shared spaces can create avoidable problems for commercial properties during the colder months.
However, she says maintaining a clean and welcoming environment does not have to mean increasing the use of harsh cleaning chemicals or generating unnecessary waste.
"Winter can be particularly demanding for commercial properties, especially offices, shared accommodation and buildings with high footfall," explains Kelly. "Rainwater, mud and grit are constantly being brought indoors, while colder temperatures and condensation can create additional moisture problems. If these issues aren't managed properly, they can quickly affect cleanliness, flooring conditions and the overall environment for employees, residents and visitors.
The good news is that a little preparation can make a significant difference. It's about having the right cleaning routines in place, identifying problem areas early and choosing effective methods that are also kinder to the environment."
Six winter cleaning priorities for commercial properties
Kelly recommends that office and facilities managers review the following areas before the coldest weather arrives:
1. Stop dirt and moisture at the entrance
Entrances, reception areas and communal hallways are particularly vulnerable to mud, rainwater and grit being carried indoors. Effective entrance matting, regular vacuuming and prompt removal of moisture can help protect flooring and reduce the risk of slips.
"One of the simplest ways to keep a building cleaner during winter is to stop dirt travelling through it in the first place," says Kelly. "Entrance mats should be checked and cleaned regularly, particularly during periods of heavy rain."
2. Keep condensation and mould under control
Poorly ventilated bathrooms, kitchens, meeting rooms and communal spaces can be vulnerable to condensation during colder weather. Kelly advises property managers to monitor moisture-prone areas, ensure ventilation systems are functioning properly and arrange prompt investigation of recurring dampness.
"This is particularly important in HMOs, where kitchens, bathrooms and other shared facilities are used by multiple residents. Cleaning can help manage surface moisture, but persistent condensation or mould needs to be addressed at its source, rather than simply wiped away."
3. Protect flooring from winter grit and salt
Road grit and salt can be abrasive, potentially damaging hard flooring and leaving unsightly residue. Regular vacuuming, sweeping and appropriate damp mopping can help prevent build-up without requiring unnecessarily aggressive cleaning products.
"Stronger chemicals aren't automatically better," Kelly explains. "Choosing the right product for the surface and using the correct dilution is often far more effective than simply applying more cleaning solution."
4. Focus on shared and high-touch areas
Door handles, lift buttons, handrails, communal kitchens, washrooms and shared workstations can require particular attention during winter, when people spend more time indoors. Cleaning schedules should reflect how frequently these areas are used, with appropriate cleaning and disinfection where necessary.
5. Choose environmentally responsible cleaning methods
Winter cleaning does not need to come at the expense of environmental responsibility. Kelly recommends considering suitable concentrated cleaning products, reusable microfibre cloths, washable mop systems and accurate product dilution to help reduce unnecessary waste.
"Businesses are increasingly conscious of their environmental responsibilities, and cleaning should be part of that conversation," says Kelly. "Using excessive chemicals doesn't necessarily deliver better results. With the right products, equipment and training, professional cleaning teams can maintain excellent standards while reducing unnecessary waste and chemical use."
6. Review cleaning schedules before winter pressures increase
A summer-centric cleaning schedule may not be sufficient during prolonged periods of wet weather. Kelly encourages managers to identify areas requiring additional attention, check that cleaning equipment is in good working order and ensure cleaning teams have sufficient time and resources to complete their work properly.
A greener approach to winter property maintenance
With many organisations looking for practical ways to improve sustainability, Kelly believes winter presents an opportunity for businesses and property managers to reconsider their existing cleaning arrangements.
Rather than automatically increasing chemical use or relying on disposable cleaning materials, she encourages a more considered approach based on prevention, appropriate products and efficient routines.
Act now, before winter weather takes its toll
Kelly's advice to commercial property managers is to act during autumn rather than wait until problems become obvious.
"By the time winter is in full swing, businesses can already be dealing with muddy floors, recurring condensation and cleaning schedules that aren't keeping up, she explained. "October is a good time to review what's working, identify potential problem areas and make improvements. A proactive, environmentally conscious cleaning plan can help businesses protect their premises and maintain high standards throughout the colder months."