Cubicles can be found in office buildings all across the states. It’s easy to see why they’re such a popular choice, as cubicles allow businesses to maximize the use of space within the office. While cubicles are great for creating workspaces for employees with minimal installation time, there is one primary drawback. Cubicle walls are made out of fabric panels. Because of this choice of texture, the walls tend to hold onto debris such as dust, dirt, and bacteria. In addition, cubicle walls cannot be cleaned using the same method as other walls around the building.
To combat this buildup of allergens and bacteria, business owners must take a proactive approach. This means that a cleaning routine needs to be established similar to that of the flooring and textiles of your building. A good rule of thumb that can be applied to any fabrics in the office is to have them cleaned every other quarter. However, there are a few factors where some cubicles may need to be cleaned more frequently. For instance, pet-friendly offices, busy seasons, and high levels of foot traffic would require greater care.
As many of Florida’s workforce has returned to the office, a new trend has emerged, shifting office culture in a more pet-friendly direction. Bringing your pup to work is becoming more common as furry friends have been shown to boost office morale and foster an overall positive work environment. While we love our pets, their fur tends to shed practically everywhere. This is especially true for many popular breeds such as labs, shepherds, retrievers, and terriers. With the addition of pet hair in the office, quarterly cubicle cleanings will not be sufficient to reduce office allergens. If pets or service animals are frequently in the office, cubicles should be cleaned once or twice within the quarter to cut down the accumulation of fur.
The time of year can also greatly influence how often office cubicles should be cleaned. Pollen season is a rotating door in Florida. Pine and oak pollen is most present from late December through May, while grass pollen is most present from April through October. Peak pollen season often occurs during this overlap from mid-April through early July. This period is when allergies are the worst for Floridians.
In Florida, early summer, quarter two, should also have two scheduled cubicle cleanings to prevent pollen from creating havoc in the office. Staff with allergies are vulnerable during these seasons and placed at even more risk when pollen can easily be tracked by people coming into the building. Depending on the type of landscaping outside, this could increase the likelihood of pollen amassing onto cubicle walls.
Since pollen and other allergens can be tracked inside, the foot traffic your building receives can also play a key role in how often cubicles should be professionally cleaned. Firms with a large employee base should take the time to review floors or sections with heavier traffic. A primary example of these locations would be cubicles along main hallways or towards the exits of the building. Telltale signs that the foot traffic in the area is impacting cubicle walls are discoloration and debris buildup.
Every office will be different in terms of an established cleaning schedule and standard upkeep. A general guideline is to schedule a deep cleaning at least twice a year at a minimum to maintain a clean work environment year-round. If you’re still unsure about how often your office’s cubicles should be professionally cleaned, contact our team at Cubix, Inc. today! Our specialists have seen all office environments and can point you in the right direction when creating a healthy office space.
Travis Owens, the President of Cubix, Inc., has dedicated over 18 years to refining and leading the premier leader for commercial flooring services in Florida. Before taking the helm as President, Travis excelled as the Director of Operations, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer in commercial flooring consulting and solutions. A proud veteran, Travis honorably served 8 years in the Marines, exemplifying his commitment and discipline in all endeavors. Residing in Orlando with his family, he also indulges in his passion for culinary spices.
