Winters bring unique challenges for facility operators and property managers. As snow, ice, salt, and sand accumulate outdoors, they inevitably get tracked into offices, retail environments, healthcare facilities, and industrial spaces throughout the day. While your professional cleaning team arrives at the end of the day to restore cleanliness and safety, what happens during business hours can significantly impact both appearance and maintenance costs.
A proactive approach to controlling salt and sand before your cleaners arrive not only protects flooring and carpets it also reduces slip hazards, creates a better experience for employees and customers, and extends the lifespan of interior surfaces.
Here are practical steps your facility team can use to minimize winter debris throughout the day.
#1. Invest in a Three-Stage Entry Matting System
An effective entrance matting strategy is the single most important defense against winter debris.
A three-stage system includes:
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- Scraper Mat (Exterior Entrance): Removes snow, ice, and heavy grit before it enters the building.
- Scraper/Wiper Mat (Vestibule or Lobby): Captures residual sand and salt pellets.
- Wiper Mat (Interior Transition Area): Absorbs moisture to prevent pooling and streaking on floors.
For best results:
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- Mats should cover 20–30 feet of walking path where possible.
- Replace or rotate mats when they become saturated.
- Vacuum or shake out mats during the day to prevent buildup.
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Well-maintained mats can stop up to 85% of debris from entering your building.
#2. Assign Light Touch-Ups During High-Traffic Periods
Your professional cleaners handle the deep cleaning but small interim actions by staff or day porters can make a major difference.
Recommended touch-ups include:
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- Sweeping or spot-vacuuming entry areas mid-day.
- Wiping moisture puddles or melted snow to reduce slip risk.
- Removing visible accumulations of salt lines near doors and elevators.
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Focus on high-traffic zones:
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- Main entrances
- Elevators and lobbies
- Hallways and reception areas
- Shipping/receiving entrances
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A simple, scheduled check-in prevents buildup that becomes harder to remove later.
#3. Encourage a “Winter Footwear Policy” Where Appropriate
In environments such as offices, schools, gyms, or medical facilities, a footwear transition policy can dramatically reduce indoor debris.
Options include:
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- Boot trays near entrances
- Designated coat and footwear areas
- Encouraging indoor-only shoes for staff
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This approach is especially effective in workplaces with frequent snow exposure or larger building footprints.
#4. Protect Your Floors From Salt Damage
Winter salt is highly corrosive and can:
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- Etch and dull hard floors
- Degrade wax finishes
- Cause staining in carpets
- Leave white streaks and residue
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To minimize long-term damage:
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- Ensure floors have the correct protective finish before winter.
- Use floor-safe neutralizing cleaning solutions when needed.
- Avoid mop-and-spread habits that redistribute salt residue.
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If you are unsure whether your flooring is winter-ready, your cleaning provider can assess and recommend a maintenance plan.
#5. Improve Exterior Maintenance to Reduce What Comes Inside
Small exterior improvements can significantly reduce what enters your facility.
Consider:
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- Clearing walkways regularly to reduce loose sand and ice pellets.
- Using calibrated salt spreaders to prevent over-application.
- Installing canopy coverage where practical to reduce snow melt at entrances.
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Less debris outside means less debris inside.
Partner With a Cleaning Team That Understands Winters
At Jani-King of Manitoba, our teams are trained to manage the unique impacts of winter on commercial facilities. From strategic matting and floor care programs to seasonal cleaning schedules, we help businesses protect their assets and maintain a professional environment all winter long.
If you would like support optimizing your winter maintenance approach or to discuss a customized cleaning program for your facility we would be pleased to connect.
Call Jani-King of Manitoba at 204.989.5925 to schedule a consultation or reach out to Bill Cole directly at billc@janiking.ca.
