Spring is a welcome time of renewal, rejuvenation, and warmer weather, but it is also the dreaded season for those who suffer from allergies. Pollen, dust mites and mould spores are common allergens that can cause allergic reactions for some individuals when their immune system overreacts to these irritants. Symptoms can range from sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and congestion to more severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.
Indoor/outdoor allergies, also known as seasonal allergies, are the most common types suffered by people working in an office, warehouse, retail, factory or other work environment. Other types of workplace allergies include contact allergies such as having an allergic reaction to products made of latex. Occupational allergies can also occur when employees have sensitivities to specific materials or substances regularly used in the workplace, such as fumes or chemicals.
Most allergy triggers at work are also the same ones that affect you at home. These include but are not limited to:
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Mould spores
- Animal dander
- Cigarette smoke
- Perfume and other scented products
- Chemical fumes and VOCs
Reducing allergens at your place of work not only helps to alleviate allergy symptoms, it can also improve conditions for people with asthma, prevent colds and other respiratory illnesses, and improve the overall indoor air quality. An allergen-free workspace improves employee health and well-being, which increases productivity and reduces absenteeism.
SPRING CLEANING TO REDUCE ALLERGIES IN THE WORKPLACE
As allergic reactions spike in springtime, many companies embark on preventative measures early in the season to reduce allergens in their work facilities and to help create a healthy and productive work environment. This typically involves undertaking a thorough spring cleaning that includes types of cleaning not otherwise done on a regular basis, such as:
Decluttering and organizing
A cluttered and disorganized workplace is more difficult to clean because cleaning staff are often instructed to not move items. This can mean certain areas are not properly cleaned for extended periods of time and collect significant amounts of dust and allergens. Once surfaces and floors are de-cluttered, cleaning staff can do a much more thorough cleaning. Decluttering and organizing your workspace can also improve productivity, reduce stress, and create a safer and healthier environment.
Deep cleaning of carpets and upholstery
Carpet and upholstery accumulate dust, pollen, mould spores and other allergens over time. Deep cleaning these surfaces on a regular basis is therefore essential in reducing allergens in the workplace. Professional cleaners have the specialized equipment and expertise to remove deeply embedded grime, dust and other allergens, which in turn improves the overall indoor air quality of your facility.
Cleaning and maintenance of air ducts and HVAC systems
Proper ventilation and air filtration are crucial for minimizing allergens indoors. The HVAC systems, air ducts and vents at your facility accumulate dust, pollen, pet dander, mould spores, and other allergens. This buildup degrades indoor air quality and exacerbate allergies and asthma symptoms. When your building switches its HVAC system from heating to cooling in spring, it’s also a perfect time to schedule air duct and vent cleaning, and to replace air filters to ensure healthy indoor air quality for the months ahead.
While spring cleaning can sometimes feel daunting and time consuming, it’s important to remember that reducing allergens at your place of business can boost company morale, and lead to increased productivity and better health for staff and visitors.
Hiring a reputable commercial cleaning company to help with spring cleaning and combat allergens is a smart investment that can yield significant benefits for employees and employers alike. By prioritizing cleanliness and indoor air quality, business owners and managers can support employee well-being and ensure a thriving workplace year-round.
BENEFITS OF PROFESSIONAL COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES DURING ALLERGY SEASON
With over 70 years of experience and extensive research and development in the commercial cleaning industry, ServiceMaster Clean provides highly trained technicians who have the expertise, equipment, and resources to effectively eliminate allergens and improve indoor air quality. They specialize in deep cleaning and sanitization of areas in the workplace that are often overlooked. Contact the experts at ServiceMaster Clean to help your company with spring cleaning this year, on a schedule and budget that works for you.