Accumulation: A different way of thinking about janitorial cleaning

One of the ways to understand cleaning in residential buildings is accumulation. It is a catchall way to describe various types of filth that collects in any particular location. This could be dust, dirt, trash and oils. It can be seen in the edges of hallways, the handles of doors, on the surface of glass… in a word, everywhere. Accumulation always happens, but its rate is variable. A large building with over 2000 residents will see accumulation in the space of a few hours, as more people transit through any specific location. Accumulation in a small building with only 50 residents might take a few days, if not a week before it becomes evident. Obviously, different locations within a building will have different rates. That 2000+ person building may have over 2,000 people walking in and out of the lobby at peak periods; but the top floor’s hallway may have less than ten people walking in and out during the entire day.

These factors should all go into devising a janitorial agreement. This really boils down into one question; how much accumulation are the residents and other stakeholders willing to accept? Less accumulation requires more frequent cleanings, which means more time for a janitor. Often larger buildings also have more space to clean as well; another draw on the cleaners’ time. Smaller buildings may be willing to see a bit more accumulation, particularly when they may have less resources to spend on a janitorial. Thus dealing with accumulation is always a balance between resources and expectations. Put another way, it requires identifying what the building residents desire and how their needs can be met by their resources. This is by no means a one time discussion either. The agreement may require adjustment to fully meet the client’s needs. Its just a different way to think about when considering your janitorial needs and how to meet them.