How to Prepare Your Business for Back-to-School Traffic

7 Commercial Cleaning Tips for a Fresh Start

Back-to-school season brings a noticeable shift in energy for many businesses, especially in communities like Carol Stream. Whether you're running an office, retail store, daycare, or educational facility, you’re likely to see an uptick in foot traffic and activity. This increase makes it a great time to take a fresh look at your commercial cleaning routine and ensure your space offers a welcoming, hygienic environment for customers, employees, and visitors alike.

A thorough refresh enhances appearance, reduces germs, promotes healthier spaces, and can even boost employee productivity and morale. ServiceMaster Commercial Cleaning Services offers some practical commercial cleaning tips that can give your business a fresh start this back-to-school season.

1. Focus on High-Touch Surfaces

Areas that see frequent contact are magnets for germs. This includes door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, handrails, countertops, and restroom fixtures. Increasing the frequency of disinfecting these surfaces will help reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses—an important consideration during flu season and beyond.

Using EPA-registered disinfectants and microfiber cleaning cloths can improve sanitation while lowering cross-contamination risks. Consider creating a cleaning schedule that highlights these high-touch areas with daily or even multiple cleanings throughout the day as needed.

2. Deep Clean Floors and Carpets

Floors often collect dirt, debris, and allergens, especially during busy seasons. Sweeping, dust-mopping, and mopping hard floors regularly keeps them looking polished and safe. Vacuuming is essential for carpeted areas; however, routine deep carpet cleaning or extraction can remove embedded dirt and stains that simple vacuuming misses.

This kind of maintenance improves appearance, helps extend floor life, and improves indoor air quality. Seasonal deep cleaning of floors sets a fresh foundation for daily maintenance during busy traffic periods.

3. Consider Regular Restroom Maintenance and Stocking

Restrooms are one of the most critical spaces to keep clean and fully stocked during times of increased use. Regular janitorial cleaning helps disinfect toilets, sinks, faucets, and stall handles, as these spots harbor large amounts of bacteria. Keeping soap dispensers, paper towel holders, and toilet paper replenished shows attention to detail and adds to customer comfort.

Consider posting signs that encourage hand hygiene, reinforcing your commitment to a clean and safe environment. If your restrooms are due for a refresh, professional cleaning can restore grout, polish surfaces, and eliminate persistent odors.

4. Pay Attention to Waiting Areas and Common Spaces

If your business has a reception area, waiting room, or common spaces, those spots should feel inviting and clean. Wiping down furniture, vacuuming upholstery, dusting vents and blinds, and cleaning glass surfaces like windows and doors helps maintain a tidy atmosphere.

Since customers and clients often spend time in these areas before service, keeping them fresh can make a positive impression and contribute to their overall experience.

5. Clean Commercial Equipment and Technology

Don’t forget the frequently used equipment and technology that staff and visitors touch daily—phones, keyboards, touchscreens, printers, and remote controls. Use electronics-safe disinfectant wipes, sprays, and microfiber cloths to clean these surfaces regularly without damaging sensitive components.

Regular cleaning of shared equipment reduces the spread of germs and helps keep your gear working properly, preventing downtime caused by dirt or grime buildup.

6. Consider Scheduling Professional Commercial Cleaning

While daily cleaning takes care of many details, a professional commercial cleaning service can offer deep cleans during slower business hours or on off days. These services are equipped to handle comprehensive tasks like carpet extraction, floor waxing, upholstery cleaning, and hard-to-reach surface sanitation.

For Carol Stream businesses, especially those facing back-to-school rushes and seasonal shifts, partnering with pros adds an extra layer of thoroughness and reliability, helping ensure your business environment is ready for increased traffic and activity.

7. Establish A Cleaning Schedule to Stay Consistent

An effective cleaning plan blends daily upkeep with periodic deep cleans and routine inspections to spot areas needing attention before small issues become big ones. Documenting and sharing this schedule with your cleaning team helps maintain accountability and ensures nothing is missed.

Flexibility is important too. Adjust the frequency of certain tasks as traffic spikes or dips, and don’t hesitate to add special cleaning projects like window washing or hard floor cleaning when needed.

A Clean Business Is a Welcoming Business Thanks to ServiceMaster Clean

Back-to-school season in Carol Stream means more customers, clients, and employees using your space daily. Keeping your commercial property clean, hygienic, and inviting supports positive impressions and good health for everyone who walks through the door.

By focusing on high-touch areas, floors, restrooms, and shared surfaces—and integrating routine professional cleaning—you can start this busy season with confidence and a fresh, well-maintained workspace.