How to Overcome the Latest Residential Cleaning Challenges

Cleaning and disinfection done right.

The outbreak of the pandemic has posed unique challenges that were never seen before and requires property owners and managers to take new precautions to keep residents and staff safe. Although we have found vaccines to contain the spread of the virus, there is still a long way to go in the fight with COVID-19.

We've put together a list of cleaning challenges your multifamily home may be facing throughout 2021.

Cleaning and Disinfection - Sensibly and Strategically

Property managers should create maintenance teams that are specially trained to use products that are effective in eliminating. A cursory look at the cleaning checklist for pandemic situations will reveal that teams should wear masks at all times and get the proper training to use cleaning solutions available in the market safely.

This isn't to say that disinfectants are a quick fix when it comes to cleaning an apartment after it has been vacated.

The first step should be to clean a surface properly before applying any disinfectant solutions. For obvious reasons, if the surface isn't completely clean, the disinfectant will not be as effective. Once the surface has been cleaned, however, it can then be treated with a bleach solution following CDC guidelines.

Minimizing the Damage Done from Applying Cleaning Products

The use of new disinfectant products in the market will cause damage to surfaces over time. Maintenance teams that have been applying cleaning products will now see discoloration and damage to surfaces, especially if they were made out of plastic. The strong chemicals used for disinfection purposes are to blame for this.

We are seeing a trend of multifamily homes reported all kinds of surface damages such as cracked surfaces, worn-out plastic cases, discoloration of keyboard keys, light switches, and distorted wallpapers.

Worse still is the fact that the disinfectant spreads to other areas of the property that were not intended to be cleaned. They can then wreak all kinds of havoc over time. Experts recommend that experts wipe down surfaces properly to remove residual disinfectant once it has done its job.

Using Robots to Overcome Operational Challenges

The new cleaning requirements are difficult to implement when you already have all hands on deck. Staff absences due to illnesses have also become a norm, making it even more difficult to complete housekeeping tasks.

An important step in housekeeping should be to have your maintenance teams vaccinated to minimize absences. It is also important to have complementary tools at your disposal that can help out with cleaning. Try to invest in a commercial vacuum cleaner that can ensure that all commonly used areas of a multifamily home are properly cleaned regularly.

Following the Cleaning Checklist for Pandemic Situations

Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been an explosion in the variety of cleaning and disinfectant products in the market. Maintenance teams need to do their research before buying out any disinfectant products in bulk. Make sure to read the labels and safety data sheets to see if the products are effective.

As a general rule, maintenance teams should strive to maintain a 30-day inventory of cleaning products and protective equipment to ensure that staff and residents are protected at all times.

Communications Should be Made Easier

One of the key things that can make maintenance teams of apartment complexes more efficient is clear communication. When teams are provided with information on time, it can make a huge difference in their performance. Technology now allows traditional meetings to take place via a quick Zoom call.

It is also a good idea to use technology, such as artificial intelligence when trying to understand cleaning times and planning your staff's schedule (especially when every penny is important).

As our understanding of the pandemic evolves, property managers and maintenance teams will continue to improve their industry best practices when it comes to cleanliness and hygiene. 

What maintenance methods do you recommend to property managers? Send in your comments to us, and we may update this space with new information!