Every commercial space comes with its own set of cleaning challenges. From foot traffic to hard-to-reach surfaces, there’s always a complication to consider.

But some difficulties are unique to large industrial spaces, such as warehouses and manufacturing plants. Plant managers are under pressure to find sustainable solutions to the issue of keeping a large space clean while maximizing output.

There are three key cleaning challenges for facilities managers to consider:

The sheer size of the space.

Warehouses, industrial spaces, and manufacturing floors often are large, sometimes well over 20,000 square feet. These spaces are usually full of inventory, machinery, or support structures, such as shelving. That adds up to a massive number of surfaces, each with different cleaning needs.

With so many nooks, crannies, and specialized surfaces, staying on top of every one can be challenging. Each surface may require a different type of cleaning and equipment to get the job done.

Another important element to consider is floor maintenance. Warehouse and industrial floors often need specialty care and cleaning services—and a cleaning team that can handle significant square footage.

Equipment maintenance.

From manufacturing machinery to forklifts and pallet jacks, industrial spaces rely on specialty equipment to keep things moving. Even with regular maintenance, some equipment can be vulnerable to everyday dirt and debris. For example, excessive dust buildup can cause problems in manufacturing machines, and spills on the floor can gum up dolly and skate wheels. In certain contexts, disinfection of equipment may also present a challenge.

Of course, keeping machinery clean is the responsibility of the operators. But regular cleaning of the common areas may help to prevent buildup, minimize delays and malfunctions, and extend the life of your equipment.

Production and operation disruptions.

Manufacturers and warehouses often run a tight schedule that has been honed over many years. Each member of the team has a specific set of tasks to complete, and every moment is optimized to safeguard output and production.

This watertight system can be vulnerable to disruption. Even an outside cleaning team can throw off the flow of operations. If you select a commercial cleaning service with limited hours, you might be forced to schedule cleanings at inopportune times. And if that vendor doesn’t understand the importance of smooth operations, you may run into challenges.

Your solution for keeping your warehouse and manufacturing facilities clean: An experienced commercial cleaning services provider.

You can overcome these frustrations by selecting a quality independent commercial cleaning vendor. A dedicated commercial cleaning team can stay on top of dust, debris, and other buildup in your space, provide disinfection services, and keep things running smoothly.

Hiring a commercial cleaning company offers a few distinct advantages:

• Flexible scheduling. Some cleaning companies will work with you to identify the optimal time for cleaning based on your production schedule, so you won’t be limited to possibly disruptive times. Plus, you can choose the frequency that meets your needs, whether that’s day porter services, daily cleanings, or multiple times per week.
• Experience. You may be able to find a cleaning services provider with direct experience with large industrial spaces, such as warehouses and manufacturing floors. You can trust that your space is being cared for by a qualified team.
• Productivity. With an experienced professional cleaning company keeping your facility clean, your team can stay focused on their top-priority work activities.
• Specialty services. Some companies may provide additional services, such as commercial floor cleaning and disinfection services, to supplement standard services.

One option is to select a locally owned and operated Vanguard® janitorial franchise business. A Vanguard® area franchise business representative will work with you directly to understand the needs and priorities of your business so they can match you with the right Vanguard® janitorial franchise business. They can answer your questions and will work with you to develop a commercial cleaning plan and schedule that matches the needs of your industrial facility.

About the Vanguard Cleaning Systems® Brand

Founded in 1984, the Vanguard Cleaning Systems® organization is built upon over 2,500 independently owned and operated franchised commercial cleaning businesses, which are licensed and supported by an Area Franchise network of more than 50 independent regional offices throughout North America. Vanguard® franchised commercial cleaning businesses service over 15,000 businesses, healthcare companies, educational facilities, and non-profit organizations.