A pleasant work environment is a huge asset to a company. There are many ways to improve an office’s atmosphere, but the most immediate is cleanliness. Some strategies are obvious. Most employees know how to keep their desks dust and clutter-free. Clean bathrooms and kitchen spaces are also essential. But what about carpets? Not only do dirty shoes step on them all day, but their fabric makes them trickier to keep clean than wood or linoleum. We’re here to provide some essential tips.
Table of Contents
1. Start By Vacuuming
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This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook. Consistent vacuuming can extend the life of a carpet by years. Around 80% of dirt and small particles can be removed with regular vacuuming. It’s important to do this often. For high traffic areas, vacuum daily.
An effective vacuum is a worthwhile investment. Pick a high powered one with good reviews. Consider the workspace. Upright vacuums won’t always work well. Some backpack models make for a good alternative.
2. Clean Stains Immediately
The longer you leave a stain, the harder it can be to clean up. Some stains are permanent if not dealt with quickly. Encourage employees to take action immediately. You can do this by leaving them accessible cleaning materials. If someone spills coffee on the floor, they are more likely to clean it up quickly if you make it easy.
Pro Tip: Be aware, many NJ office cleaners like cleaningworldinc.com offer carpet cleaning services. If you don’t want to do it on your own and need a professional’s help, you should certainly hire a pro!
3. Take Preventative Measures
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The best way to keep dirt and grime off your carpet is to never let it inside, to begin with. Set up a few mats outside the doors to the office. A coarse mat will remove larger pieces of dirt, while something more absorbent can pick up remainders. This is doubly useful if you live in a region with a lot of dust or rainfall. Keep that stuff outside where it belongs.
4. Consider Your Type of Commercial Space
Different types of businesses have different needs. Some offices are trafficked only by employees. When you have a small group of people who spend all day in the office, your carpet might need less care. If it is a retail business, you will see customers coming and going all day. You’ll need a stricter carpet cleaning method.
In addition, dumpster rentals might be necessary if you are pulling up old carpet and replacing it. There are many different local rentals near you to choose from so take your pick.
5. Make and Keep a Plan
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The best way to maintain any habit is to make it a routine. Vacuuming at the same time each day makes it more likely to be remembered. Also, consider that different parts of the office might have different needs. High traffic areas like conference rooms or board rooms will likely need more attention. Make a list of these high traffic areas and be sure to prioritize them. But don’t neglect the low traffic areas! Make it a habit to clean those areas too, just don’t do it as often.
6. Talk To Your Employees
A pleasant work environment is beneficial for everyone. Not only does cleanliness reduce stress and boost professionalism, but it shows that you care about others. Nobody wants to walk on dirty carpets.
Encourage the staff to contribute. Taking action can be as simple as notifying a custodian or wiping up a simple spill. Make sure they have the resources to do so.
7. Consider Going Green
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Some cleaning chemicals are harsh. In the past, these were the only options. But that’s no longer the case. Older cleaning products are not only unpleasant, they can actually degrade the quality of your carpet and reduce its life. They also can have harmful effects on the environment.
There are plenty of new products that advertise themselves as a greener alternative. These can be better for both you and mother nature. However, be wary of them. They aren’t always as effective. Look for the Woolsafe certification on wool carpet cleaners. This indicates it won’t damage the carpet and is ecologically safe. For Nylon carpets, look for the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval.
8. Choose a Carpet Strategically
Selecting a carpet is more than a matter of looks. While you want a carpet with a nice appearance, consider how susceptible it is to staining and dirt. A plain white carpet might give your office an angelic look, but it won’t last long. Stains will stick out like a sore thumb. Darker, patterned carpets will conceal them better. Some carpets even boast stain-resistant materials.
9. Don’t Leave Wet Products in Carpet
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Obviously, deep cleaning your carpet is an essential part of maintenance. Even if you are just using a water extraction method, leaving water in too long will cause problems. Since carpet fibers are absorbent, residual water, dirt, and soap can shorten the life of your carpet. Soap left behind after drying can attract more dirt. Too much leftover water can also attract mold.
When dealing with chemical cleaners, these same rules apply. Leave the product in too long, and you risk leaving lasting damage to the carpet.
10. Now and Then, Call In the Professionals
There is only so much carpet maintenance you can do. Even when you are diligent, you still sometimes need to call in a crew. How often you do this depends on your workspace. Consider all of the factors we have discussed. Is the carpet new? Do you get a lot of foot traffic? Have you been keeping up with your routines?
High trafficked carpets should be cleaned every three to six months. For less-trafficked areas, you can probably get away with waiting every six months to a year. When in doubt, ask. Any number of carpet cleaning companies will be happy to give you an assessment. For example, SERVPRO is located throughout the country and available to assist in any deep carpet or another commercial cleaning.
Conclusion
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Keeping your office carpets clean can be frustrating, but it is also very important. We hope these tips keep your carpets healthy and clear of dirt for years to come.
