In order to maintain a clean, professional, and healthy office environment, facility managers must prioritize regular commercial carpet cleaning. Once you’ve scheduled your carpet cleaning appointment, it’s important to properly prepare the workspace ahead of time to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
Whether you’re scheduling routine maintenance or you need a deep clean after heavy foot traffic, minimize disruption and protect valuable equipment by putting a plan in place beforehand. To help you, here’s a checklist for facility managers to ensure a smooth, hassle-free carpet cleaning visit.
Choose the Right Time
It’s important to schedule your carpet cleaning appointment strategically. This is best done after hours, over a weekend, or during slower business days to keep disruption to employees and clients at a minimum.
- Coordinate with your carpet cleaning company in Michigan about how long the job will take and what to expect for drying times.
- Ask them what you have to do to prepare for a seamless visit.
- Notify employees in advance to ensure cooperation and avoid surprises.
- Section off various cleaning areas in stages if your office operates 24/7.
Communicate With Staff and Tenants
Particularly if the cleaning involves shared office buildings or multiple departments, be sure to keep everyone in the loop by:
- Posting signs in common areas such as kitchens, hallways, and entrances.
- Sending out email reminders a few days before the service.
- Letting everyone know which areas will be inaccessible and when.
Clear the Floors
To reduce the chance of damage to loose objects on the floor:
- Put aside area rugs, floor mats, trash bins, and small pieces of furniture.
- Ask employees to remove their personal items, bags, and boxes from the floor.
- Secure or store breakables that are on low shelves or end tables.
Move Light Furniture
If safe to do so, move light furniture in advance of the appointment. Many professional carpet cleaners charge extra for moving furniture—or may not do it at all for liability reasons. If possible:
- Move chairs, side tables, and rolling file cabinets out of the area.
- Label any items you don’t want moved.
- Ask carpet cleaners what they can accommodate when it comes to larger furniture pieces such as desks or cubicle systems.
Secure Electronics and Wires
Carpet cleaning involves water, solutions, and equipment with long hoses, so it’s important to properly secure sensitive electronics.
- Cover or temporarily relocate electronics to a safe location if possible.
- Unplug computers, printers, and power strips on or near the floor.
- Lift cords and cables off the ground using zip ties or clips.
Protect or Remove Paper Products
Paper and moisture aren’t a good combination.
- Move paper storage boxes onto desks or shelves.
- Temporarily relocate paper files from storage rooms.
- Protect important paperwork that must remain in the room buy putting them in plastic bins with lids.
Ensure Easy Access
Make the job of your carpet cleaners easier by making sure they have unobstructed access to all areas:
- Unlock doors or be there to let the crew in.
- Reserve parking spaces close to the building for easier unloading/loading of equipment and to accommodate trucks.
- Provide access to electrical outlets and water sources.
Adjust HVAC Settings
Some commercial carpet cleaning methods can temporarily increase humidity, which slows drying times. To combat this, adjust your HVAC system to increase airflow or run the fan continuously during and after cleaning. If weather permits, open windows or doors for proper ventilation, faster dry times, and mildew prevention.
Do a Final Walkthrough
After the cleaning, check the area for:
- Missed areas or spots that may need retreatment.
- Furniture that has to be returned to its original place.
- Damp spots that require additional drying time.
- Take note of any concerns and take photos for future service improvements.
Prepping for professional carpet cleaning doesn’t have to be complex or stressful. Following a simple checklist like this can assist facility managers in streamlining the process, protecting office equipment, and ensuring safe and efficient cleaning.
Contact 1st Class Carpet Cleaning and Restoration Services
Make the investment in your building’s appearance, appeal, and safety with regular commercial carpet cleaning. Facility managers: give us a call at (248) 491-3088 to schedule your next appointment.
