We’ve all used the phrase “spring cleaning” before. Today, it means cleaning our homes inside and out – maybe even sorting through the old to make room for the new. But this phrase has been around longer than you may realize.
In fact, the tradition dates back to the 1800s. Because lamps used whale oil or kerosene (and needed wood or coal to light them), most rooms at the end of the winter were covered in a layer of soot and grime. To deep clean, families needed to open windows once the weather warmed up so the buildup could be released outside, according to the Washington Post. Hence, where the phrase “spring cleaning” was born.
READ: 4 Reasons Your Office Desk Should Undergo a Spring Cleaning
While many of us have an itch to spring clean at home, that same feeling may resonate with a building owner or property manager regarding their building as well.
Starting on the Outside
It might make sense to think of spring cleaning a facility on the interior, but owners and managers should also consider the area that took the worst hit by winter – the exterior. Below is a checklist of three ways facilities can begin a spring cleaning:
- Lawn & Landscaping – Are there tree limbs lying around or does the shrubbery look sick? Does the grass look like it will need extra help coming back to life? Perhaps the gutters on your facility need to be cleaned from all the roof debris. If the proper cleanup doesn’t happen, some facility owners may face bigger issues down the road such as mold buildup or damaged awnings from the leftover debris.
- Windows – The winter can cause a film to build up on your windows, resulting in them looking dull or older than they really are. Now is the perfect time to schedule a window washing or pressure washing service for your facility so that as the sun begins to show more and the days last longer, the light will make your facility shine.
- Parking Lots – The colder and wetter months can wreak havoc on the pavement around your facility. Once winter comes to an end, it’s the most ideal time to examine what can be done to restore the crumbling or cracking that resulted from the harsh temperatures and chemicals. If you haven’t already, make sure to check out our blog on how potholes happen and what they’re really doing to cars.
READ: Colorful Flowers Around Your Building May Have a Powerful Effect
As a building owner or property manager, we know the last thing you have time for is performing a “spring cleaning” to-do list. That’s where City Wide can help.
No matter what condition or attention your facility needs, we have you covered with our 20+ building maintenance solutions. Contact us today by filling out the form to the right to find out more.
