High-traffic commercial spaces present unique cleaning challenges that can impact customer experience, the health of employees, and your facility’s overall reputation. While every commercial building requires a tailored approach to maintain a clean, sanitary and inviting environment, they all have one thing in common – high-traffic areas that demand extra attention beyond routine cleaning.
Explore why clean premises are important, address which zones are typically considered high-traffic, and learn five top practices to maintain hygienic, inviting environments even in the busiest locations.
The importance of cleanliness in high-traffic retail spaces
The cleanliness of your premises directly impacts a customer’s experience – it affects the time they’ll spend on site and their likelihood of return. A clean, well-maintained space will create a positive, welcoming impression, while dirt and grime will drive your customers away. In addition to appearance, cleanliness is crucial for the health and safety of customers and employees – reducing risk such as slips and falls and keeping illness from bacteria buildup on high-touch surfaces at bay.
Identifying high-traffic spaces
Commercial facilities like shopping malls and arcades experience high volumes of people moving through the space daily. To focus your cleaning efforts effectively, identifying high-traffic zones is crucial. Typically, these include:
● Entrances and exits: The main entry and exit points of your facility not only experience heavy foot traffic but are also points where dirt and debris from outside can be brought in.
● Restrooms: Another critical high-traffic area in communal facilities, restrooms require frequent and effective cleaning and sanitisation to maintain hygiene and eliminate bacteria. In addition, proper cleaning practices are essential to create a positive customer experience.
● Eating areas: Food courts and other communal eating areas are prone to spills and discarded food waste, which can cause accidents, attract pests and harbour bacteria.
● High-touch areas: High-contact areas like handrails, customer service desks and checkout counters need frequent attention to maintain a clean, hygienic and aesthetically appealing appearance.
In addition to the above, analyse foot traffic data specific to your retail facility to identify additional areas that require specialist attention.
Five effective cleaning practices for high-traffic retail spaces
While you’ll need to ensure you have specialist cleaning equipment, maintaining the cleanliness of your high-traffic retail space requires additional expertise. Here are five key practices that should be top of mind:
- Focus on floors
Clean and safe flooring is essential in retail spaces to prevent accidents and injuries and to maintain an inviting appearance. Floor mats at entry and exit points capture dirt and debris, and frequent sweeping, vacuuming and mopping will help manage buildup, address spills, and eliminate germs in restrooms and eating areas. The type of flooring in your building will determine the best approach for your regular cleaning schedule – for carpets, regular vacuuming and periodic deep cleaning are essential, while hard floors will benefit from regular mopping and routine deep cleaning. At PPCS, we deliver maintenance programs for diverse flooring types. - Disinfect to keep bacteria at bay
Reduce the spread of germs and create a healthy, clean environment by regularly disinfecting high- touch surfaces and areas prone to harbouring bacteria, like food courts and restrooms. Reviewing the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) approved disinfectants relevant to retail areas will ensure optimal cleaning practices. - Extend care beyond the interior
Sometimes overlooked, exterior cleanliness is important for appearance and to minimise the amount of dirt and debris being tracked indoors. Car parks and entrances are subject to wear from vehicles and foot traffic and should regularly be swept and water blasted. PPCS employs eco-friendly exterior cleaning techniques to ensure a welcoming environment from the moment your customers arrive. - Let go of waste worries
Between customers and employees, high-traffic retail spaces generate a lot of waste. Food courts and restrooms require particular attention in shopping centres – where rubbish bins must be regularly maintained. PPCS, in partnership with our clients, provides sustainable waste management solutions in food court areas through sorting and recycling initiatives. This helps divert waste and ensures proper waste management whilst minimising odours, potential pests and bacteria. - Look to green cleaning practices
Adopting sustainable cleaning practices is becoming increasingly popular, enabling retail facilities to reduce their carbon footprint and create a healthier environment for customers and employees. Utilising eco-friendly cleaning products and sustainable consumables and implementing eco- conscious waste management solutions are simple changes you can make to contribute to a sustainable future. As a member of the Sustainable Business Network, PPCS is at the forefront of promoting eco-friendly business practices. Our efforts include transitioning to greener transport options, monitoring emissions, prioritising energy-efficient equipment, utilising recycled and sustainable consumables, conserving water and much more.
For optimal efficiency, partner with a professional
High-traffic retail spaces have unique cleaning needs; however, consistency, expertise, and efficiency should always be your top priorities. Tailored cleaning schedules that encompass the specific demands of your retail space will ensure both cleanliness and customer satisfaction are top priorities.
PPCS – New Zealand’s leading commercial cleaning and property services provider – has worked with some of the country’s largest and best-known shopping centres. We have over 950 skilled professionals dedicated to delivering the best outcomes tailored for your business, and with a focus on the future, we continually evolve our practices in line with the latest tech advancements. Ready to partner with a professional? Contact us now.
