Commercial and Residential Elevated Surface Cleaning

Enhance customer satisfaction by routinely cleaning the exposed surfaces as a result from contemporary commercial space design. This can be done in a safe and efficient environment, when using the correct equipment.

Modern interior design is such that appose to the traditional closed or drop ceiling room, we now see a variety of interiors that are designed around renovated spaces. In addition, mechanical features such as ventilation ducts and suspended lighting fixtures add a quaint and vogue feel to a room. This is more evident in the conversion of commercial spaces to residential and the result is deemed both practical and attractive. However, the unique design also offers unique challenges to facility managers, home owners and any other person(s) responsible for maintaining a clean, healthy and visually appealing environment. Professional cleaners can enhance the value provided to their clients by offering a program for routine cleaning of these unique interior spaces, whether it be a commercial or residential space.

Often, the most challenging of interior surfaces are those up high, ranging between 18 and 25 feet. Surfaces can be vertical, horizontal, or curved calling for a range of nozzle designs to effectively address the application. In many cases the surfaces have been textured which requires the nozzle to touch the surface to capture the debris. Cleaning surfaces that are 18 to 25 feet above the floor make it unsafe and impractical for ladder use. As such there is cleaning wand and nozzle solutions available on the market that can facilitate elevated surface cleaning. Here are five consideration which should make when selecting products/solutions for elevated surface cleaning:

• Effectively cleaning surfaces 20 feet from the vacuum hose places a premium on airflow over sealed suction. The debris profile is typically very light, and you want enough airflow to capture the dirt with the vacuum, not simply brush it off to fall to surfaces below. A good gauge would be selecting a vacuum producing a minimum of 120CFM.
• Consider only systems where all elements are positively locked together to prevent unintended separation and the risk of a nozzle or wand falling from height where it could strike the user or damage furnishing or floor surfaces. In some cases, it may be necessary to apply pressure to the nozzle to release the debris on textured surfaces such as in restaurants where airborne oil may create a sticky surface. Systems that lock together will also permit you to safely work in a horizontal plane from an elevated platform, catwalk, or mezzanine without the risk of something falling to the surface below.
• Applications may call for cleaning a wide variety of surfaces; horizontal; vertical; round; large and small diameter mechanicals; limited overhead space; and in the case of suspended light fixtures which require a light touch. Consider a system which offer a variety of adaptor wands and nozzles to permit the access necessary for effective cleaning.
• Compliment your wands with a range of nozzles designed to not only address the surface but also to ensure the task is accomplished in the shortest possible time. Working overhead can be fatiguing and having a range of nozzles that reduces the time necessary to execute the task is preferred. Look for nozzles with features that help make for fast effective cleaning. Pivoting neck and nozzle surfaces that match the surface will assist you in gaining the surface contact needed for effective capture of the debris into the air stream, not simply brushing it off to fall below.
• Weight and control are critical when you or your cleaning associate are being asked to address elevated surfaces. Look for a system that has enough rigidity at height to permit controlled use of the cleaning attachments while at the same time keeping weight as low as possible to reduce user fatigue.

Typically, elevated cleaning services are quoted separately from services provided for work below shoulder height. In commercial environments with food services like restaurants or bars, a facility manager may adopt a quarterly schedule for overhead cleaning. In institutional spaces or in residential cleaning where the primary concern is aesthetics, this is often quoted biannually. Experience suggests recovery of the cost of the unique tools required for providing this service can be completely recovered in the first month or two even after providing for labour and normal business costs making it a profitable opportunity to enhance revenue for a contract cleaner expanding their range of services and gaining differentiation for their business. Given the significant number of restaurants, retail spaces, medical, and institutional facilities with exposed mechanicals as well as the number of residential properties featuring high ceilings, windows, and unique architectural features the potential market for elevated cleaning services is significant and growing.