The Power of the Walkthrough: How Property Managers and Cleaning Experts Craft Custom Plans

When it comes to commercial cleaning, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all. Every property is different—from the layout and materials to the foot traffic and tenant expectations. That’s why at America Cleaning Solutions, we start every potential partnership with a detailed onsite walkthrough. It’s more than just a tour, it’s a strategy session between your team and ours, designed to assess your unique needs and build a custom cleaning plan that keeps your property in peak condition.

Here are five key aspects of the walkthrough process and how they lay the foundation for an effective, long-term cleaning solution.

1. Defining the Scope of Work

The first and most important step in any walkthrough is defining the scope of work. We collaborate with property managers to identify all the areas that need attention—offices, lobbies, restrooms, breakrooms, stairwells, elevators, conference rooms, exterior entryways, and more.

This is where we ask the big questions:

• What areas need daily service versus weekly?

• Are there any special-use zones (like gyms or data centers) that require unique protocols?

• Do you need daytime porters, after-hours janitorial, or a hybrid of both?

A clear scope of work ensures that expectations are aligned, and that your tenants experience a consistently clean and welcoming environment.

2. Surface and Material Evaluation

Not all surfaces are created equal and not all should be cleaned the same way. During the walkthrough, our team takes careful note of flooring, countertops, walls, and fixtures, documenting materials like:

• Carpeting

• VCT or LVT

• Hardwood

• Marble or granite

• Stainless steel

• Glass partitions

This matters because each material type requires specific cleaning products and care routines. For example, natural stone requires a pH-neutral cleaner to prevent etching, while high-gloss flooring might need periodic burnishing to maintain its appearance.

We’ll also ask if there are any manufacturer warranties on floors or fixtures that require adherence to approved cleaning methods. Protecting your assets is just as important to us as cleaning them.

3. Understanding Traffic and Usage Patterns

Not every square foot of your property gets the same amount of wear. A good cleaning plan considers how and when spaces are used.

Is your lobby a 24/7 revolving door of tenants and guests? Are restrooms heavily used during specific hours? Does the building host events or have peak seasonal periods?

These insights help us determine service frequency and staffing. For example:

• High-traffic areas might need multiple touch-ups throughout the day

• Breakrooms near loading docks may accumulate more dirt

• Conference rooms used for client meetings need consistent detailing

We’ll also explore whether a day porter is a good fit to maintain cleanliness during business hours.

4. Assessing Current Conditions

A walkthrough gives us the chance to evaluate your property’s current condition. We look for:

• Stained carpets or furniture

• Scuffed floors

• Graffiti or marks on walls

• Dust buildup in vents or hard-to-reach areas

• Odors in restrooms or trash rooms

This allows us to establish a baseline before regular cleaning begins. If deep cleaning, restorative services, or one-time specialty work is needed to get your space up to standard, we’ll include those in the proposal.

This step also gives us insight into problem areas or persistent issues that may not have been adequately addressed by a previous cleaning vendor.

5. Discussing Logistics and Access

Even the best cleaning plan won’t succeed without proper logistics. During the walkthrough, we go over key operational details like:

• How and when cleaning crews can access the building

• Alarm system procedures

• Secure storage for cleaning supplies and equipment

• Waste disposal protocols

• Preferred cleaning hours

If you have tenants that are sensitive to noise, smell, or interruptions, we’ll plan accordingly. Our goal is always to deliver seamless service with minimal disruption.

This is also where we identify any regulatory or compliance requirements unique to your industry—such as HIPAA guidelines for medical offices.

Let’s Build a Cleaning Plan That Works for You

At America Cleaning Solutions, we believe every property has its own rhythm—and our job is to complement it. A detailed walkthrough sets the tone for a productive partnership and ensures that nothing gets overlooked.

Whether you're managing a corporate office, retail plaza, or mixed-use facility, our experienced team will help create a plan that fits your budget, meets your cleanliness standards, and keeps tenants happy.

Want to schedule a walkthrough? Schedule a free online appointment today. We proudly serve the greater Portland metro and southern Washington, and we’re ready to show you why we’re the trusted choice for professional commercial cleaning.