The scorching and arid summers of California's Central Valley present significant challenges for businesses in terms of cleaning and hygiene, necessitating effective strategies to combat issues such as the increased risk of foodborne illness, elevated levels of dust and pollen, intensified sweating and body odor, and higher foot traffic.
Challenges in Cleaning and Hygiene During Hot Summers
The heat during the hot summers in the California Central Valley provides favorable conditions for the rapid growth of bacteria.
High temperatures create an environment where bacteria multiply quickly on food surfaces, increasing the risk of contamination and foodborne illnesses.
Bacteria can live in hotter and colder temperatures than humans, but they do best in a warm, moist, protein-rich environment that is pH neutral or slightly acidic. [1]
Additionally, dry air, characteristic of the hot summers in the San Joaquin Valley, contributes to heightened levels of dust and pollen, posing challenges for businesses in terms of cleaning and hygiene.
The lack of moisture in the air leads to reduced particle weight, causing them to remain suspended for extended periods and increasing their presence in indoor and outdoor environments.
Elevated dust and pollen levels can have various consequences, particularly for individuals with allergies and asthma.
Allergic asthma is a breathing condition where the airways you breathe through tighten when you inhale an allergen.
Common allergens include pollen, dander and mold spores. This type of asthma is very common in both children and adults. [2]
Finally, the summer season in the Valley attracts a significant influx of visitors.
The region's natural beauty, tourist attractions, and outdoor recreational opportunities make it a popular destination for travelers, families, and tourists during this time of year.
According to Visit California;
Total visits to California should reach 279.1 million in 2023, an increase of 8% from 2022.
California total visitation is expected to increase another 5% to 292.3 million visitors in 2024. [3]
The increased foot traffic poses specific challenges for businesses regarding cleaning and hygiene.
As more people visit the area, businesses experience higher customer volumes, increasing usage of restrooms and food service areas.
This heightened activity puts additional strain on cleaning resources and requires businesses to be prepared to maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards.
Cost-Effective Methods for Addressing Hot Summer Cleaning and Hygiene Challenges
It is crucial to emphasize the importance of implementing stringent food safety measures during this time.
Businesses should focus on maintaining proper food temperatures, ensuring thorough cleaning and sanitization of surfaces, and preventing cross-contamination to mitigate the potential risks associated with bacterial growth.
Adhering to these food safety practices becomes even more critical to safeguard the health and well-being of customers and employees.
Further, businesses can employ strategies such as using air filters to trap airborne particles, ensuring proper ventilation systems, and keeping doors and windows closed whenever possible to prevent the influx of outdoor allergens.
Regular cleaning routines should include thorough dusting and vacuuming to minimize the accumulation of particles.
These measures will help create a cleaner and healthier environment, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and promoting overall well-being for everyone within the business premises.
Finally, businesses should have a well-thought-out plan in place.
This plan should include regular cleaning and disinfection of high-traffic areas and prioritizing frequent cleaning of restrooms, dining areas, and other spaces where customers gather.
Adequate staffing and resources should be allocated to ensure prompt cleaning and maintenance, preventing any decline in cleanliness standards despite the increased demands.
By proactively addressing the challenges of increased foot traffic, businesses can uphold high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, ensuring a positive experience for visitors and maintaining a safe and inviting environment for customers and employees alike.
References
- Fried, N. (2022). What conditions encourage bacteria to grow? / Food Safety FAQ / Health and Safety / Consumer Resources / Home - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Www.fdacs.gov. https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Health-and-Safety/Food-Safety-FAQ/What-conditions-encourage-bacteria-to-grow
- Allergic Asthma: Causes, Symptoms, Tests & Treatment. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21461-allergic-asthma
- Travel Forecast. (n.d.). Industry.visitcalifornia.com. https://industry.visitcalifornia.com/research/travel-forecast
Takeaway
The scorching and arid summers of California's Central Valley present significant challenges for businesses regarding cleaning and hygiene.
By implementing effective strategies to combat issues such as the increased risk of foodborne illness, elevated levels of dust and pollen, intensified sweating and body odor, and higher foot traffic, businesses can uphold high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, ensuring a positive experience for visitors and maintaining a safe and inviting environment for customers and employees alike.
Here are some specific tips that businesses can follow:
- Maintain proper food temperatures - Food should be kept at safe temperatures, either hot or cold.
- Clean and sanitize surfaces thoroughly - All surfaces should be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis, especially high-traffic areas.
- Prevent cross-contamination - Food should be handled carefully to prevent cross-contamination.
- Use air filters to trap airborne particles - Air filters can help to trap airborne particles, such as dust and pollen.
- Ensure proper ventilation - Good ventilation can help reduce the buildup of heat and humidity, which can create an environment where bacteria can thrive.
- Keep doors and windows closed whenever possible - This will help to prevent the influx of outdoor allergens.
- Regularly dust and vacuum - This will help minimize the accumulation of particles.
- Have a well-thought-out plan in place - This plan should include regular cleaning and disinfection of high-traffic areas and prioritizing frequent cleaning of restrooms, dining areas, and other spaces where customers gather.
- Allocate adequate staffing and resources - This will ensure that cleaning and maintenance can be done promptly, preventing any decline in cleanliness standards despite the increased demands.
Outsourcing is a proven method for onboarding highly in-demand cleaning and disinfection services and experience for a fraction of the price of maintaining a similar service in-house.
If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation on-site assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield, CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno, CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia, CA, or Santa Clarita, CA, call (661) 437-3253
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