Now that your facility has weathered another winter, it’s time to hit refresh with a spring-cleaning checklist. Winter often leaves its mark in terms of salt buildup, dust, moisture, and stale air. These can stick around well into spring, affecting both occupant well-being and facilities’ performance.
To help you clear what winter left behind, here’s a practical spring-cleaning checklist for facilities managers to kick off the season with confidence.
1. Deep Clean High-Touch Points
Did you know spring is considered the ‘second peak’ for illnesses to spread? As people return to shared spaces more frequently, germs can spread easily—especially on high-touch surfaces. That makes targeted cleaning a priority.
Focus on areas such as:
- Door handles and push plates
- Elevator buttons
- Handrails and stair rails
- Light switches
- Breakroom counters and shared appliances
This is also a great time to review the schedule and effectiveness of your facility cleaning services. If you intensified cleaning protocols during flu season, determine which enhanced procedures should be maintained throughout the year.
2. Inspect Roofs and Gutters
Winter weather can be tough on building exteriors, especially roofs and drainage systems. Snow accumulation, freeze-thaw cycles, and ice dams may have caused hidden damage that won’t be obvious without an inspection.
As part of your spring checklist:
- Look for roof damage, loose flashing, or cracked seals
- Clear gutters and downspouts of debris to prevent water pooling
- Check for signs of leaks or water intrusion inside the building
Catching small issues early can help avoid costly repairs later and protect critical interior spaces from moisture damage.
3. Check Indoor Air Quality
After months of closed windows and recirculated air, your building could use a breath of fresh… air. Dust, allergens, and pollutants quietly build up over winter. It leads to poor indoor air quality, which directly affects comfort and productivity.
Here’s what you need to take care of:
- Replace HVAC filters and inspect air-handling units
- Clean vents, grilles, and diffusers
- Check for moisture or mould in mechanical areas
- Coordinate duct cleaning where needed
Improving air quality doesn’t just support well-being; it can also enhance energy efficiency and system performance.
4. Pay Attention to the Exterior
Spring is the perfect time to give your building’s exterior some attention. Winter grime, salt residue, and debris can cause long-term damage if not removed. First impressions also matter, especially for offices, healthcare facilities, and public-facing environments.
Add these tasks to your spring-cleaning checklist:
- Power wash walkways and entrances
- Inspect parking lots for cracks or potholes
- Refresh signage and exterior lighting
- Remove salt residue from doors and entry mats
A clean, well-maintained exterior sends a strong message about safety, care, and professionalism.
5. Evaluate Your Current Plan
Spring cleaning offers more than a fresh start; it’s the ideal moment to assess your overall strategy. Take a close look at your cleaning schedules, service coverage, and vendor performance.
Ask yourself:
- Are critical areas being addressed consistently?
- Do seasonal changes require adjustments to services?
Using this time to refine your approach helps eliminate gaps, improve outcomes, and align cleaning efforts with broader facility goals.
At Dexterra, we not only follow this checklist but also ensure your facility performs perfectly all year round. Contact us to learn more about our IFM approach!