Preparing and cleaning a commercial space for rent or sale is essentially the same as preparing one’s home to rent or sell. Ideally, a professional cleaning service can be called in to take care of the deep cleaning required, but sometimes this will not be possible. How then should an owner or manager prepare the space? Several steps should be taken.
- Remove all furniture and belongings that will not be left once the property is put on the market. Items that will remain with the property need to be thoroughly cleaned and then moved in such a way as to make the rest of the cleaning possible. If there are chairs and tables, be sure to clean all surfaces, including legs and rungs. Fabric coverings should be cleaned with the proper solution after a good vacuuming of the surface. Be sure to use the vacuum attachment that goes down into the creases of chairs and couches.
- It is best to start the deep cleaning from the ceiling down. Wash walls from top to bottom. Make sure the cleaner you use will not damage paint or wallpaper. Magic erasers are great for removing most stains on walls, doors, windowsills, and light switches.
- If there is a break room, this area needs special attention as food and drink can make quite a mess over time. Thoroughly clean fridges, microwaves, and any electric appliance that will be staying. Again, tables and chairs need wiping down on all surfaces. Take time to scrub all surfaces such as counters, tabletops, and sinks with an antibacterial cleaning product suitable for the material make-up of what you are cleaning.
- Bathrooms attached to the commercial space you will be renting, or selling must also be cleaned from top to bottom. Take special care of sinks and toilets. Be sure to go behind the toilet as well as thoroughly clean and sanitize the bowl. This is an area where you should use as strong a sanitizing
product as possible. Walls and woodwork need doing here as well.
- Wash windows if there are any.
- Once you have thoroughly cleaned and sanitized all contents, walls, surfaces, doors, and light switches, you are ready to do the floors. How you will tend to the floors will depend on what type of floor you have. Some floors, such as tile, will need a good vacuum and then clean with warm water and a little vinegar or bleach. Carpets should be vacuumed and then cleaned with a rug cleaning machine you can rent. If the floors are waxed, they will need to be stripped, and then a new coating of wax applied. There are machines you can rent to help with this job as well.
- The final task is to heavily spray a disinfectant spray over the entire area.
- Let the space rest overnight and then return any furniture to its proper place.
It is a big job getting a commercial space ready for rent or sale, and you might find it is more economical to hire the job done, especially if the area has not been regularly maintained. For those living in Ocala, Florida, or surrounding areas, including The Villages, Orlando, and Gainesville, Cassie’s Meticulous Touch has been getting commercial spaces ready to rent or sell for over 20 successful years. You can call her office at (352) 216-0513 to ask questions and get a free estimate.
