The Importance of Deep Cleaning in High-Traffic Areas

by Ellie Gilbert | Industry News

High-traffic areas in commercial buildings like entrances, corridors, restrooms, and shared facilities take a beating. These spaces are magnets for dirt, germs, wear, and tear. While regular surface cleaning is essential, it’s deep cleaning that delivers the real protection: safeguarding your people, preserving your premises, and maintaining high professional standards.

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Why Deep Cleaning Matters

Surface cleaning might keep things looking tidy on the outside, but hidden germs, built-up grime, and overlooked spaces can still pose health and hygiene risks. Deep cleaning goes beyond the visible by removing embedded dirt, disinfecting high-touch points, and extending the life of fixtures and furnishings.

Whether you’re welcoming clients into a busy office or managing footfall in a public-facing venue, a clean space says a lot about your brand.

What's Involved in a Deep Clean?

Unlike standard cleaning routines, deep cleaning tackles areas and tasks that often get skipped in day-to-day maintenance. A professional deep clean typically includes:

  • Disinfecting high-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, lift buttons, and communal equipment
  • Cleaning behind and beneath desks, cupboards, appliances, and furnishings
  • Carpet and upholstery cleaning to remove allergens and embedded dirt
  • Descaling and sanitising restrooms and kitchen facilities
  • Specialist treatments tailored to the specific use of the building (e.g. clinical environments, food prep areas)

Which Areas Need Regular Deep Cleaning?

While every site is different, some spaces consistently benefit from regular deep cleaning.

Entrances and Reception Areas: The first point of contact for any visitor or employee. Clean flooring, dust-free surfaces, and sanitised door handles all contribute to a professional appearance.

Corridors and Stairwells: These areas often get overlooked in daily cleans but collect significant dirt. High-touch points like handrails, light switches, and skirting boards should be deep cleaned regularly.

Toilets and Washrooms: A major hygiene hotspot. Deep cleaning ensures sanitary fixtures, removes odours, and helps prevent bacterial spread.

Communal Kitchens and Break Areas: Shared appliances, countertops, and cupboards harbour bacteria. Regular deep cleans reduce risk and promote a healthier work culture.

Lift Interiors and Touchpoints: Buttons, handrails, and mirrors can quickly become dirty and unhygienic. These should be part of any deep cleaning routine.

How Often Should You Deep Clean?

The frequency of deep cleaning depends on your space, but as a general rule:

  • Offices and corporate spaces should be deep cleaned every 3 to 6 months
  • Whereas, retail, restaurants, gyms, pubs, and healthcare facilities: may require monthly or even more frequent deep cleans depending on footfall

Factors to consider:

  1. Type of business: A clinic or kitchen will naturally require stricter hygiene controls than a back-office operation.
  2. Volume of foot traffic: More people mean more dirt, more germs, and more wear.
  3. Environment-specific needs: From specialist equipment to hygiene legislation, some spaces require tailored cleaning programmes.

If you’re unsure how often your space needs deep cleaning, a professional FM provider can carry out an assessment to help you find the right schedule.

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The Benefits of Deep Cleaning for Businesses

Beyond appearance, a regular deep cleaning routine brings tangible benefits:

Improved health and hygiene: Helps reduce the spread of illness and boosts overall wellbeing

Prolonged asset life: Carpets, furniture, and fixtures last longer with proper care

Fewer maintenance issues: Proactive cleaning reduces build-up that can lead to damage

Better workplace perception: A clean environment supports productivity, staff morale, and client confidence

Compliance peace of mind: In some sectors, deep cleaning is essential to meet hygiene standards and safety regulations

Your Trusted Cleaning Partner

At The fm Company, we provide tailored cleaning solutions for all types of commercial spaces, from offices to public venues. Our deep cleaning services are designed to fit around your operations, reduce disruption, and help you maintain the highest hygiene standards.

Whether it’s a one-off deep clean or part of a regular maintenance contract, we’re here to help you protect your people and your premises.

Need to schedule a deep clean or want to discuss your site’s needs? Get in touch today: 📧 sales@thefmcompanyuk.co.uk 📞 01484 507986

Author: Ellie Gilbert