As the cooler months set in across the Bay Area, facility teams face a unique trifecta of challenges: more muddy, wet foot-traffic coming in, increased disease transmission risks, and moisture-driven damage to interior surfaces. At Moreno & Associates, we’ve found that proactively addressing these three key vectors- germ spread, tracked-in mess, and moisture accumulation- helps keep your facility safe, clean and high-performing through winter.
Below is a practical breakdown of what facility managers should prioritize now, along with action steps and considerations.
1. High-Touch Surface Disinfection: The Germ Hotspots
Winter is peak cold/flu season, and many facilities also see increased foot traffic as people stay more indoors. Surfaces that are touched repeatedly become vectors for illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for community-buildings (offices, retail, etc.):
- Clean surfaces frequently (disinfect with proper chemicals) to remove germs.
- Disinfect surfaces in high-traffic or high-touch zones (door handles, elevator buttons, light switches, shared electronics) when appropriate. (CDC)
Action Steps:
- Develop a daily winter schedule for disinfection of door hardware, lobby check-in tablets, elevator call buttons, restroom touchpoints, shared break-room appliances.
- Ensure dwell-time / contact time instructions of disinfectants are followed (as per product label) so effectiveness is maximized. (CDC)
- Communicate with employees/visitors: “If you’re sick, please stay home and notify your supervisor”. Reducing illness starts before cleaning begins.
- Consider posting signage/reminders near high-traffic zones to encourage hand hygiene and reduce spread. (Handwashing remains foundational in germ-control).
By prioritizing these touchpoints, you reduce absenteeism, boost occupant confidence, and build real value into your facility-maintenance program.
2. Entryways & Floors: Mud, Moisture & Grit from Rainy Weather
With winter rains, your buildings see a major spike in wet shoes, mud, debris, and fine grit entering facilities. These create three primary issues: slippery surfaces (liability), accelerated wear on floor finishes (expense), and increased dirt tracking deep into hallways, carpets, and common areas (appearance + maintenance cost).
According to facility-maintenance studies, up to 80% of contaminants inside a building are brought in on the soles of shoes. (CMM)
Action Steps:
- Place high-performance walk-off mats both outdoors and indoors at all primary entrances. Regularly vacuum and clean mats so they stay effective.
- Inspect outdoor walkways daily during wet weather: remove leaves, debris, and standing water; ensure lighting is adequate so slippery areas are visible.
- Increase frequency of mopping and auto-scrubbing near entry zones. Rainwater mixed with soil and grit can be abrasive and quickly erode floor finishes.
- Use “Wet Floor” signage proactively when storms hit or puddles form, especially in lobbies, elevator landings, and polished stone floors.
- Consider adding a second interior mat layer in buildings with heavy foot traffic to reduce how far moisture travels into hallways and carpeted areas.
By focusing on moisture and grit control rather than snow-related issues, your facilities can significantly reduce wear, protect flooring assets, and maintain a professional appearance throughout the rainy season.
3. Indoor Air Quality & Moisture Management: The Hidden Risks
Cold weather often means closed windows, increased use of heating systems, and higher indoor occupant density. All of which can exacerbate air quality issues and moisture accumulation. Poor IAQ (indoor air quality) and hidden moisture can lead to mold growth, staff discomfort, and degraded facility performance.
“According to the EPA, indoor air can contain two to five times more concentrations of pollutants than outdoor air.” (REMINET)
Action Steps:
- Review your HVAC filter replacement schedule. Winter air circulation changes quickly, so ensure filters are fresh and system is maintained.
- Clean vents and ductwork where accessible to reduce dust and allergens being recirculated.
- Monitor humidity levels indoors. If condensation appears on windows, or you notice musty smells, take immediate action (insulate, increase ventilation, repair leaks).
- Use HEPA-filter vacuums for cleaning to capture fine particulates instead of pushing them back into the air.
- Ensure adequate lighting and visibility. Dark, damp corners = higher risk of mold or dust-settle zones.
By including air quality and moisture control in your winter cleaning plan, you move beyond surface-cleaning and address the facility’s underlying operational health.
4. Staff Training & Communication: Your Frontline Advantage
Even the best equipment and schedule won’t work unless your people know how to use them. Winter cleaning demands different behavior than warmer months. Increased frequency, different priorities, faster response to tracked-in mess, and heightened germ-risk awareness.
Action Steps:
- Review mat maintenance, high-touch surface disinfection protocols, use of PPE, safe chemical use (especially with disinfectants).
- Create a “Winter Cleaning Dashboard” or checklist, keeping track of entry-mat condition, slip-hazard reports, high-touch cleaning logs, HVAC filter changes, and moisture-event logs.
- Communicate to tenants/users: “Here’s how we’re prepping for the season”. Transparency builds trust and reinforces value.
- Encourage reporting of issues. e.g., spills, puddles, dirt tracks, so cleaning teams can respond ASAP rather than waiting for scheduled clean.
5. Why Winter Cleaning Should Be Viewed as Investment… Not Cost
When facility managers approach winter with urgency and strategic cleaning action, it yields measurable returns: fewer employee sick days, fewer slip-and-fall incidents, longer asset life for flooring and interior finishes, better air quality (which supports productivity), and enhanced overall appearance. Which matters for tenant satisfaction, brand reputation and contract renewals.
Rather than reacting after issues manifest, a proactive, seasonal cleaning strategy positions your building for resilience and sets you apart as a facility leader.
Your Winter Cleaning Kick-Off
As we head into December and the months of increased indoor activity, damp weather and elevated germ risk, it’s the right time to refresh your cleaning plan, communicate it, and make sure your facility is not just surviving winter, but thriving through it.
Next steps for you this week:
- Walk your main entrances and lobby to assess mats, puddles, lighting.
- Check your cleaning checklist and identify any gaps in high-touch disinfection.
- Review HVAC filter status and inspect for any visible condensation or moisture risk zones.
- Meet with your cleaning supervisor (or cleaning vendor) to go through winter-specific training and checklist.
- Send a communication to your tenants/users: “Here’s what we’re doing this season to enhance your facility experience.”
When you center winter cleaning on germ control, moisture mitigation and facility appearance, you’re delivering real value to your team, your occupants, and your stakeholders. At Moreno & Associates, we’re ready to partner with you this season and beyond. Ensuring your facility remains safe, clean and efficient. Let’s make winter a strong season, not a scramble.
