How to Minimize Warm Weather Facility Odors

Is your facility beating the heat? This year’s record temperatures have sent guests and visitors scurrying to buildings and facilities for refuge.

Higher temperatures mean more than just oppressive heat and humidity – they can also create less than pleasant odors. With the warmer-than-average weather showing few signs of stopping, make sure you address the most offensive seasonal scents.

Ranked from most to least offensive by the Cintas Corporation, the worst summer smells include:

1. Trash. Dumpsters are a haven for odors, but this can be a particular issue in warmer months. Keep doors closed to prevent the smell of garbage from creeping into the facility and ensure regular cleanings.
   
   
2. Restrooms. As the summer months bring families to parks, pools, and recreational facilities, restroom odors can be heightened due to increased traffic. Implement a restroom maintenance program to ensure surfaces are regularly deep cleaned, protected, and maintained. Time-release air fresheners can also help.
   
   
3. Dirty towels. Towels used to clean up spills, restroom surfaces, and counters absorb substances that generate odors over time. Avoid letting dirty towels sit for an extended period of time by implementing a regular pick-up laundry program.
   
   
4. Grout lines. In facilities with tiled surfaces, debris and contaminants can collect quickly, causing a build-up in grout lines and subsequent scents. Deep clean grout lines regularly to remove scum.
   
   
5. Mops. Dirty mops not only breed harmful bacteria, they are also a source of rancid odors. Regularly launder mops to keep them smelling fresh and floors clean and safe.
   
   
6. Air conditioning units. Coils and filters can become dirty over time and circulate odors throughout a building. Use a regular cleaning service that keeps pans, coils, and unit parts free of dirt and bacteria to eliminate the air conditioner as an odor source.
   
   
7. Mold. Thunderstorms and hurricanes can result in flooding and leaking. To remove the potential for mold growth following a flood, work with an emergency cleanup provider that uses ozone generators to quickly remove water and potential odor contributors.
   
   
8. Carpet. Carpeting in high traffic areas can provide an optimal environment for mildew in humid environments if not regularly deep cleaned and thoroughly dried. Implement an ongoing deep cleaning system that uses fast-drying techniques.