The shared spaces within a condominium community, known as common areas, are fundamental to the resident experience. These areas are owned collectively by all the unit owners and are managed by the condominium association or a designated property management company. Their upkeep is a shared responsibility, and a well-defined common area cleaning checklist is crucial for maintaining their appeal and functionality. When establishing a comprehensive common area cleaning protocol, professionals know they must create a solid, all-inclusive list of all areas to address, and then break it down into a daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal schedule that consistently meets the custom needs of your community.
What Constitutes a Common Area?
A common area is any part of the condominium property that is not included within the boundaries of an individual unit. These areas are available for use by all residents and their guests, subject to the rules and regulations established by the condominium association. The legal definition and specific inclusions can be found in the condominium’s governing documents, such as the declaration, bylaws, and plat map. Generally, common areas facilitate shared living and provide amenities for the benefit of the entire community.
Developing and adhering to a comprehensive common area cleaning checklist is paramount for effective condominium care. This approach guarantees that all essential areas are addressed regularly and to a high standard. While specific needs may vary depending on the amenities and size of the complex, a robust checklist will typically encompass daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal tasks.
Essential Common Area Cleaning Checklist: Identifying Shared Spaces
Amenities in condo communities vary widely. While some can be very basic—such as a front office for the management team, entryways and shared halls, and mailbox and package delivery areas—others can be extremely lavish or delicate, like climate-controlled wine cellars/tasting rooms, golf simulators, virtual reality rooms, or even pet washing stations. It’s vital to make sure you’re including everything your community has to offer, so when you’re establishing the task list, be sure to consider:
- BBQ/Picnic Areas
- Bicycle Storage Areas
- Business Centers/Libraries
- Clubhouse/Community Rooms
- Elevators
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Guest Suites or Floor Models
- Hallways/Corridors
- Laundry Room
- Lobby/Entrance Hall
- Mail Room/Package Reception Area
- Outdoor Green Spaces/Gardens
- Parking Garages/Lots
- Playgrounds
- Rooftop Terraces/Decks
- Stairwells
- Storage Lockers
- Swimming Pool/Spa Area
- Tennis, Basketball, or Other Sporting Courts
- Trash Bins, Dumpster/Compactor Staging, or Recycling Areas/Rooms
Each unique common area zone has different requirements for upkeep. Also, depending on how large your community is and how active your residents are, you’ll need to perform some common area cleaning tasks more frequently than others. For this reason, we will focus on including details for the shared areas and amenities that are present in the largest number of condo communities. However, your property may need more or less than what this article suggests, depending on how frequently residents use the shared areas, how they use each amenity, and how much residents help (or actively avoid helping) with upkeep. Consequently, you should adjust your daily checklist based on what your condominium complex requires. Adjust your daily checklist based on what your condominium complex requires.
Daily Common Area Cleaning: Maintaining a Welcoming First Impression
These daily tasks are the absolute essentials for maintaining hygiene and a presentable environment throughout the day.
- Empty Trash and Sanitary Disposal Bins: Replace liners daily to prevent overflow and odors.
- Clean and Disinfect Toilets and Urinals: Focus on the interior, exterior, rims, seats, and handles/flush levers with a disinfectant.
- Clean and Disinfect Sinks and Countertops: Wipe down all surfaces, removing immediate spills, soap scum, and watermarks, paying attention to faucets.
- Refill Dispensers: Make sure there’s adequate stock of hand soap, paper towels, and toilet paper.
- Clean Mirrors: Remove streaks and smudges for a clear appearance.
- Spot Clean Walls and Partitions: Address any fresh marks or spills promptly.
- Sweep or Damp Mop Floors: Remove loose surface dirt and spills with a disinfectant cleaner.
- Check Proper Ventilation: Verify exhaust fans are operating.
Weekly Cleaning Tasks
These tasks provide a more thorough cleaning, addressing buildup that occurs over the course of the week.
- Deep Clean Toilets and Urinals: Go beyond the daily cleaning to scrub hinges, behind the bowl, and the floor around the base more intensely. Use a descaler as needed.
- Deep Clean Sinks and Countertops: Focus on removing more stubborn soap scum and hard water stains, cleaning around the faucet base thoroughly.
- Clean and Disinfect Partitions (All Surfaces): Wipe down the entire surface of stalls, including door handles and latches.
- Clean Light Fixtures (Surface Dust): Wipe away accumulated surface dust to maintain brightness.
- Clean and Disinfect Door Handles and Push Plates: Focus on these high-touch germ hotspots.
- Clean Baseboards: Wipe down to remove accumulated dust and grime along the edges.
- Mop Floors Thoroughly: Clean the entire floor area with a disinfectant, paying attention to grout lines.
- Clean Ventilation Grilles (Surface Dust): Wipe down to make sure airflow isn’t obstructed by dust.
Monthly Cleaning Tasks
These more in-depth tasks prevent long-term buildup and maintain the overall condition.
- Deep Clean Grout Lines: Use a grout brush and cleaner to remove embedded dirt and mildew.
- Clean and Polish Metal Fixtures: Restore shine and prevent corrosion on faucets, handles, and other metal surfaces.
- Clean and Disinfect Shower Areas: Thoroughly scrub tiles, grout, showerheads, and doors/curtains.
- Clean and Disinfect Baby Changing Stations: Pay close attention to all surfaces and crevices.
- Inspect and Clean Under Sinks: Check for leaks, spills, or significant buildup and clean cabinet interiors if needed.
- Clean Soap and Paper Towel Dispensers: Remove any internal buildup or debris.
- High Dusting: Reach and clean less accessible areas like ceiling corners and above partitions.
- Check and Tighten Fixtures: Make sure toilet seats, grab bars, and other fixtures are securely attached.
- Inspect and Report Maintenance Issues: Identify and report any plumbing, fixture, or other maintenance needs.
Seasonal Common Area Cleaning: Addressing Long-Term Needs
You should perform seasonal cleaning tasks a few times a year to address maintenance needs that contribute to the long-term cleanliness and upkeep of the property.
All Common Areas:
- Professional carpet cleaning.
- Window cleaning (interior and exterior).
- Power washing of exterior walkways and entryways.
- Cleaning and conditioning of any outdoor furniture.
- Checking and cleaning gutters and downspouts (if applicable).
- Deep cleaning of any shared storage areas.
Ultimately, the care of common areas reflects the values and commitment of the condominium community. A proactive approach to common area cleaning not only preserves property value but also enriches the lives of residents. By implementing a comprehensive common area cleaning checklist and following these professional tips, condominium associations can make sure their common areas remain clean, welcoming, and contribute positively to the overall living experience and property value. Consistent attention to these shared spaces fosters a sense of community and pride, making the condominium a truly desirable place to call home.
Ready to implement a professional common area cleaning program for your condominium community? Contact our property management experts today to discuss customized cleaning solutions that will keep your shared spaces pristine and your residents happy.