This time of year, many companies are preparing for the fall season, and there are several cleaning and maintenance tasks that can help get the interior and exterior of the building ready for the colder months. Creating and following a seasonal checklist can help cleaners and maintenance managers stay prepared for fall’s arrival:

• Similar to spring cleaning, this is a good time to go through each area thoroughly and deep clean for a fresh start to the new season. This includes heightened sanitization and cleaning for hygiene to get ready for an impending cold and flu season.
• Check all windows, entrances, and doorways for drafty areas where cold air could enter. Repair where required, install door sweeps, and seal drafty areas to stay warm and conserve energy.
• Clean your windows on the inside and out to allow in as much natural light as possible, as it begins to get darker earlier.
• Conduct seasonal maintenance on your HVAC system. Test out the heat, change the filters, and confirm that it is in good working order for when the weather turns cooler.
• Remove any clutter and thoroughly clean your entranceways to make way for winter matting.
• Reduce the risk of pests using your building as an escape for the winter by sealing any holes or exterior entrances they might use for warmth or nesting. Similarly, clean out garbage bins to ensure that they are clean and do not attract pests or insects.
• Assess the outside of your building for any damage, peeling paint, cracked caulking, missing siding, or points of moisture entry. Conduct all necessary repairs, replace any missing items, and install caulking where needed to keep your building watertight throughout the season.
• Clean up the debris on your property: trim trees, remove any garbage, clean out gutters, and put away any seasonal equipment. Debris can accumulate at your entrances and can block your roof drains, potentially causing roofing issues and leaks.
• As the days slowly get darker earlier, safety can become a concern. Check your exterior lighting in parking lots and on pathways to ensure good visibility.
• Repair your parking lot so that it drains efficiently during the freeze-thaw cycling that often occurs throughout the fall and winter.

Staying ahead of the game this summer will help cleaners and maintenance managers practice a proactive approach throughout the fall and winter.